Project Manager- Finance Transformation (6 month FTC)

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Finance Transformation team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work. We are seeking an experienced Project Manager + Change Manager to lead and support key elements of our Finance Transformation programme. This role is pivotal in delivering process improvements, implementing new systems, and managing the people side of change to ensure a smooth transition across the organisation. The ideal candidate will be action-oriented, results-driven, and thrive in a fast-paced, agile retail environment. You’ll be working across cross-functional teams to ensure delivery at speed without compromising accuracy.

What you will be doing:

• Project Management
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of finance transformation initiatives, including system upgrades, new software implementations, and process redesign.
• Develop and maintain robust project plans, timelines, RAID logs, and stakeholder maps.
• Drive accountability and momentum across project workstreams to ensure timely and successful delivery.
• Coordinate with IT, Finance, and external vendors to align implementation with business requirements.
• Ensure rigorous governance, reporting, and communication throughout the lifecycle of the project.
• Change Management
• Own the change strategy for finance transformation, ensuring all impacted teams are engaged, informed, and supported throughout.
• Conduct impact assessments and readiness reviews to identify and manage change risks and mitigation plans.
• Design and deliver training, communications, and stakeholder engagement strategies to drive adoption.
• Support finance and non-finance teams through behavioural, cultural, and process change.
• Act as a trusted advisor and advocate for transformation within the business.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience delivering finance transformation projects within a retail or fast-paced commercial environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing both the technical (systems, processes) and people (change, communication) sides of transformation.
• Strong knowledge of finance systems (e.g. ERP, EPM, reporting tools) and process re-engineering.
• Exceptional project planning, risk management, and delivery skills.
• A hands-on and proactive approach with the ability to cut through complexity and deliver results quickly.
• Strong influencing and communication skills; able to work confidently with stakeholders across all levels, including senior leadership.
• Change Management qualification (e.g. PROSCI) or equivalent experience preferred.
• Project Management certification (e.g. Prince2, PMP, Agile) desirable.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone. WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.