University of Cambridge & Arras
Finding What the Client Couldn't Find
"I am very happy with your candidate. He is an excellent addition to our team"
University of Cambridge were originally looking for a project manager to deliver an online e-learning package focused on language development. The role was to be based within the Language Centre of the university.
Arras Hones in On What Clients Need
The role was first brought to us in December after Cambridge had tried and failed to fill the post themselves. Initially the big challenge was finding a PM with E-Learning experience as well as the relevant language requirements. After an unsuccessful interview process which included one of our candidates Cambridge split the role in two, ie, Language Specialist / PM and asked us to source the PM albeit on a part time basis as opposed to full time.
Gary Holmes Develops a Comfort With Those Needs
Arras People consultant Gary Holmes had familiarity with the demands of the e-Learning Project Manager role.
"Having already worked on the role since December, I felt I had a really good handle on the type of skills they were after by the time requirements were changed," Gary said. "Using the Arras database, I went with two candidates from differing backgrounds – one was heavy public sector and education, the other more private-sector oriented."
Two Quality Candidates Means a Better Field to Choose From
The two candidates Gary submitted proved to be a solid choices for Cambridge to settle on. In the end, after interviewing both candidates, Cambridge went with the public sector / academic candidate. They decided to take him on on a part-time basis until the end of the financial year.
"Initially found via a websearch on Google, Cambridge initially came to us as they were having problems searching independently," Gary said. "Feedback thus far has been positive. They told me they very happy with him and that 'He is an excellent addition to our team.’"
Sometimes we do make the process difficult for our clients - shortlisting candidates that are ALL perfect for the job - having too much choice however is a good problem to have. Arras' average interview rate is 2 out of 3 candidates shortlisted; the only decision the interviewer needs to make is that final offer
Portfolio Management
OCR, the leading UK awarding body worked with Arras People for a strategic and senior manager to head up the division portfolio; responsible for over £20M of business. The Portfolio Manager needed to demonstrate previous experience in delivering objectives from the strategic vision of the organisation; management the portfolio of programmes and projects.
PMO Teams
QCDA, the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, adopted the PMO model of managing programmes and projects. Using the hub and spoke model of PMOs, there were a number of requirements that ranged from PMO Manager to Programme Office Analysts and Project Support. Arras is the only agency in the UK which has a specialist team focused on the recruitment of PMO staff.