Governance Project Manager

The Company

YouGov is an international research and data analytics group.

Our mission is to supply a continuous stream of accurate data and insight into what the world thinks, so that companies, governments and institutions can better serve the people and communities that sustain them. 

We have the best data and the best tools. We continuously challenge conventional approaches to research, and we disrupt our industry to ensure that our clients always get the best solutions.

We are driven by a set of shared values. We are fast, fearless and innovative. We work diligently to get it right. We are guided by accuracy, ethics and proven methodologies. We trust each other and bring these values into everything that we do.

Each day, our highly engaged proprietary global panel of over 15 million people provides us with thousands of data points on consumer opinions, attitudes and behaviour. We combine this continuous stream of data with our research expertise to provide insights that enable intelligent decision-making and informed conversations.

With operations in the UK, North America, Mainland Europe, the Nordics, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, YouGov has one of the world’s largest research networks.

The Culture

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to YouGov. We are committed to giving the world a voice by capturing the opinions of all groups, including the ones that are often under-represented in research. We are also committed to making sure that our products and tools are free from any bias, as accuracy is key to what we do. None of the above can be done without having a truly diverse workforce, in an inclusive workplace. We are very keen on attracting and retaining the best talent. And best talent also means a diverse pool of talent, with various backgrounds and perspectives.

Supporting the wellbeing of our staff, including maintaining a good work and life balance, is important to us. We support flexible working arrangements where appropriate for a role, with many locations offering a hybrid office-and-remote working approach.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The department

The Governance department has responsibility for Governance, Risk, Compliance (“GRC”), Facilities and Legal matters for YouGov globally. Governance is one of the company’s Corporate Services departments alongside Finance, HR and IT.

The role

This is a newly created role reporting directly to the Head of Governance. The role has responsibility for the design and implementation of departmental processes, and the project management of departmental and cross-functional initiatives.

The role will suit someone skilled in operations and/or project management and change management, with a background in governance, risk, compliance, legal and/or corporate services, who is looking for a wide-ranging role in a fast growing company where they can make an impact.

What will I be delivering?

In this role you will:

• Take the lead on managing multiple projects at once, each of varying complexity and duration (some examples are provided below);
• Be responsible for the processes, status updates, and communication for the projects and be accountable for the full project life cycle, including coordinating the inputs of both internal and external project contributors.
• Manage project risk, dependencies and change controls.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, and work with them to resolve critical issues, ensuring appropriate escalation and driving management of change.
• Be proactive in identifying areas of risk.
• Take an internal-client service approach. 
• Work closely with Governance Team leaders and colleagues from across the business, at all levels including senior management.
• Build and maintain trust and confidence with through knowledge of processes, tools, and methodology.
• Drive continuous improvement of Governance Team processes to ensure efficiency and scalability.
• Design policies, programs, procedures, and other controls.
• Be an advisor to managers and staff on Governance Team policies and procedures.
• Maintain team systems and technology.
• Support departmental budget management.
• Support the setting and tracking departmental objectives.
• Monitor and report departmental metrics.
• Collaborate with and support the Legal Operations Manager on legal operations projects and department projects.

Examples of projects you may be required to manage include: Implementation of systems and associated change management; roll-out of compliance training; implementation of ESG initiatives; M&A activity; and production of the YouGov plc Annual Report & Accounts.

This is a wide-ranging remit and a unique opportunity to make the role your own.

What do I need to bring with me?

Demonstrated knowledge and experience

• Project management of complex cross-functional/cross-regional projects.
• Developing and implementing operational processes and procedures in a legal, business or compliance environment.
• Implementation of ESG initiatives / projects (not essential).

Technical skills and qualifications

• Project management qualification desirable but not essential
• Excellent analytical and multi-tasking abilities
• Strong numerical and written language skills

Behavioural competencies

• A highly organized self-starter with high level of integrity
• Ability to operate discretely on confidential matters
• Adaptive to change
• Performs well in a matrix management environment
• Energetic, delivery focused, with drive to get things done
• Passion for making things run faster, better and more efficiently