Principal Specialist, Project Assurance

We're looking for a passionate Project Assurance Specialist to join the Transformation Office (TO) within our Strategy and Regulation team! You will Plan and deliver a range of program assurance activities for National Grid's largest and most critical programs. This will include preparing program assurance plans, conducting project and/or program reviews (e.g. Health Checks), and/or targeted risk assessments (e.g. Deep Dives) to independently evaluate the risks, health and true status of programs and projects

This role is based out of our Waltham, MA office, and we'd hope to see you at least two days per week but you're welcome to be in the office more often if that would work best for you. We're happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that you feel could help to make this job work for you!

• Plan and lead assurance activities for your assigned programs; in line with the TO assurance operating model and plan(s) set by the Program Assurance Director and/or TO leadership. Assurance activities are those associated with program and/or project assurance reviews, including stage-gate reviews
• Identify, develop, and document project/program risks and recommend solutions or remediation actions to program leaders and business sponsors.
• Review and analyze project/program work products and deliverables against leading practices or industry standard methodologies, e.g. PMI - PMBOK, Axelos Managing Successful Progammes (MSP), Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), etc.
• Interview project/program team members and stakeholders.
• Document, report and present key findings, risks, and recommendations to project and/or program leaders, sponsors, or program level boards or steering committees.
• Work with contractors and/or vendor teams which support the TO's delivery of program assurance services
• Build and maintain positive relationships with program leaders, program team members and business sponsors within the organization.
• Stay abreast of and share knowledge on leading practices and industry standards related to portfolio, program and project management.
• Work with Program Assurance Director to identify lessons learned across programs and projects as well as themes and/or systemic issues occurring across the portfolio of TO's programs and projects.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Computer Sciences or related areas
• MBA or CPA, ACCA, ACA, CMA, CISA or other appropriate professional qualification(s) preferred.
• Project management education, training, and/or certification highly desirable, e.g. Project Management Institute (PMI) or PRINCE 2 certification.
• Good knowledge and understanding of project methodologies, audit delivery and practices, internal control frameworks and risks management activities and skill in applying internal auditing principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge of Agile methodologies and practices, e.g. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Strong knowledge of product operating or product-centric delivery models.
• Experience and/or significant familiarization with gas, electric, transmission, distribution and generation operations a plus
• Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills to successfully undertake reviews and reach agreement on required changes.

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