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Zoe .

Senior Project Manager - Locations Programme

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No matter what job I've done over the years there has always been people impacted by it. Whether I was sorting out a customers Tax, National Insurance record, developing new IT systems, or delivering new policies or even opening new buildings its people that have been affected at the end of it. Its easy to forget when wrapped up in the day to day activities of your job, that I have made life better for a huge amount of people over the years but in tiny bite size chunks

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Career path

Senior Project Manager - Locations Programme

HMRC

Started 07/2019 to Present

Governance and Assurance Lead - Locations Programme

HMRC

From 07/2016 to 06/2022

Project Manager - Policy Delivery

HMRC

From 06/2015 to 06/2016

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

Part of my Project Teams remit is to make sure that I understand the needs of our people working in our buildings, so not only have I got to understand the type of work that is done to make sure the right type of rooms are built or furniture and equipment is provided, I also need to understand individual needs. Our buildings are modern and very inclusive providing lots of different features to make it accessible to most people. However we also look to make things easier where we can for colleagues with specific needs, such as space for guide dogs, larger monitors or different types of chairs or desks. Knowing that I can help to make someone time at work easier and therefore making a difference to them shows me I add value with the job I do.

Greatest achievements

For the last 6 years, I've been part of HMRC Locations Programme, which is reducing from 170+ Offices across the country to 13 main Regional Centres and a number of smaller specialist and transitional sites. This has saved Government a huge amount of money but also provided great places to work for my colleagues. My early part in this was in the Programme Management Office (PMO) where I had to set up the governance processes to make sure we could track progress to time, cost and quality. This was very challenging at times as their was pressure on deadlines, papers to ministers, internal and external assurance activity but definitely worth it as the hard work has stood the test of time with the governance still in place today. I have learnt so much about myself in this time, what my strength are, where I need to focus learning etc. 3 years ago I switched from PMO and returned to a Project Management role leading on 3 buildings; 2 of which, I had to deliver during a pandemic, which brought about so many challenges, from supply chains to people not being able to visit sites, but by remaining calm, upskilling on digital tools, and having a great team around me I succeeded in opening 2 great places to work. I have also just opened Nottingham RC which I am extremely proud of

Other insiders

Viola .

Top Insider Advice

Identify your long term career aspirations, set specific goals and achievable goals to guide your progression Take advantage of training programmes, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge Take on new challenges - volunteer for projects or tasks outside your daily responsibilities Smile - build relationships with peers, leaders, mentors Prioritise your well-being, maintain a healthy work life balance, always set boundaries

Marta .

Top Insider Advice

Keep your mind and eyes open as there are are so many opportunities

Paul

Lead Business Manager

Top Insider Advice

Make a difference in whatever you do. The roles in your career may change frequently or be quite stable. You may stick to one profession, end up working in a few or work in one you would never have expected to work in. Your best profession may not yet even exist! But whatever you do - make a positive difference. That difference can be to your customers, the public, the service you provide or the people you work with. It will be different in the roles you do - but make sure you change things for the better.

Discussions with Zoe
Have you found it easy to maintain a work-life balance?
in Career Tips·Monday, October 31, 2022
1 response
58 views
i have AAT LEVEL 2 do have job
in General·Monday, February 13, 2023
2 responses
25 views
Please tell me about the training when you first joined?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, April 11, 2023
1 response
62 views