Senior Project Manager/Business Analyst (Applications)

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

Cognita is accelerating growth and enhancing educational delivery through innovative technology. To support these efforts, we are looking for a Senior Project Manager/Business Analyst to join our Applications Team and play a crucial role in executing our application projects. In this role, you will support various Group Application functions, including HR, Finance, and Data, and engage in business analysis as needed.

​This position is ideal for a versatile, hands-on Senior Project Manager with extensive experience managing a diverse range of application delivery projects and the flexibility to perform both project management and business analysis tasks.

About the role

In your new role you will be defining and managing project scope, deliverables, outcomes, and benefits, whilst ensuring day-to-day delivery meets key deadlines. It includes managing a detailed programme plan with dependencies, overseeing post-go-live activities, and leading internal and third-party resources. Responsibilities also include proactive risk management (RAIDD), budget oversight, vendor management, stakeholder collaboration, and chairing project governance forums.

Additionally, the role requires conducting workshops to gather business requirements, analysing and mapping processes for improvement, collaborating with technical teams, validating solutions through testing, and supporting stakeholders in adapting to new systems and processes. Regular reporting on project progress and data analysis to inform decision-making are also key aspects.

Who we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a similar role, demonstrating expertise in leading end-to-end implementations and managing complex, multi-phase application projects across key business functions. They will be skilled in gathering and analysing business requirements, process mapping, and designing solutions, and adept at working with diverse teams, including business stakeholders, IT, and external vendors, to achieve alignment on project goals.

​The candidate should have a proven ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational stakeholders, providing clear project updates and progress reviews. Experience in overseeing third-party vendors and consultants, including contract management and performance reviews, is essential. Proficiency in creating executive-level presentations and documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences is required. Relevant qualifications such as PMP, Prince2, and Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) or equivalent are highly desirable.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience

• Aviva Pension

• 25 Days Holiday Allowance + Bank Holidays

• School fee discount

• Exclusive third-party discounts

• Professional Development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 12th January 2025.​

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.