Inmarsat & Arras
3 for 1 Project Management Recruitment
Inmarsat owns and operates a global satellite network and offers mobile satellite communications services for users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors. Inmarsat has a fleet of 11-satellites providing seamless mobile voice and data communications around the world, enabling users to make phone calls or connect to the internet - whenever and wherever they need - on land, at sea or in the air.
Inmarsat is always looking for ways to exploit its capability and has recently signed a number of end user contracts with providers across the world. This constant drive to expand the use of the satellite technology has created numerous opportunities within the Commercial Product Service Management.
The Challenges of Bringing New Project Management Resources into the Team
The challenge was to find interim project coordinator and project manager for projects across the division. The organization was one which had grown on its engineering and technical merits but was now finding the lack of project discipline a barrier to future growth. The volume of work was such that interim staff were required to quickly fill the gaps.
For the Project Coordinator position it quickly became apparent that the hiring Manager (Head of Programmes) was looking for a ‘people orientated’ person. This is someone who will not be constantly firing out emails but will rather work face-2-face with staff to develop a project approach.
The Project Manager required a technical knowledge of the relevant area but they were not looking for an engineer. Rather somebody who has proved themselves to be an effective facilitator and coordinator in a variety of sectors. Characteristics required included dynamism, ability to work independently, confidence – not afraid to pin down senior players in the process, and overall enthusiasm for adopting the aims of the program and being tenacious about driving them forward.
"You filled all of the roles that you were given which is fantastic and absolutely exceeded my expectations"
Two project co-ordinators were interviewed and both offered roles – the second being utilized in a slightly different area of the division. Both commenced work shortly after the roles had been offered.
The Project Manager was a 15 year project management veteran, building on an earlier more technical career. Working across a range of systems, hardware and software developments, his projects covered telecoms, defence and engineering sectors. In his most recent role the project manager was responsible for 20 people on a product that utilised the Inmarsat I-4 system. This product was developed in conjunction with an electronic manufacturer in California, requiring him to work across timezones – a requirement of the role on offer.
It's crucial that interim project management resources can hit the ground running, integrating quickly into the team and delivering results fast. It is also crucial that any project management resources you need to bring in your team have the right personal specification alongside their project management knowledge and skills. Arras People's interview techniques allow us to really delve into what makes a candidate tick, bringing out their personal styles and approaches to working in project environments
Change Management
Powergen, the utility organisation, were looking for Project Managers to join their change management team within the consumer division. Experienced Business Project Managers who can lead the delivery of projects that will change their customer proposition; this included – launching new products; removing discontinued products; updating products or similar product and customer focused initiatives. Key to the role was a hands-on style - coaching and challenging the project managers within the team to ensure that all agreed delivery is to time, budget, scope and quality.
Project Management Staff
BAe Systems, the aerospace organisation, have used Arras People to recruit numerous programme and project management professionals at all levels of their project management department. From Programme Managers to Project Managers and Programme Office Support staff; if your organisation is launching a project management recruitment drive, talk to Arras People and ensure you extend your coverage. From aerospace to defence to financial services and beyond, we've got your project management recruitment drive covered!