Chris Homewood

Experience

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  UK Ministry of Defence - Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)

  Dec 2003 - Jan 2013

  I was responsible for scheduling all UK MoD activity on the £1bn programme to buy 14 new Chinook helicopters. I maintained the risk register and worked with all staff to effectively manage risk. I provided Management data for regular corporate reporting, reformatting and presenting it in a manner appropriate to the audience. I regularly presented at or lead meetings, used structured interviewing techniques to efficiently obtain data from colleagues, and facilitate workshops. I also reviewed Earned Value Management (EVM) data supplied.I developed a Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) and detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the programme by consulting with colleagues individually, reviewing the business case, the contract and the project documentation, I tested the PBS & WBS in group workshops to refine and achieve formal approval and buy in from the whole team. This was challenging as the programme had already begun and there was relatively little documentation of the project. This improved the whole teams understanding of how their work interrelated and sequenced, improving team efficiency through better prioritisation of work.From the WBS I developed a detailed linked schedule and a high level summary schedule, I ensured the schedule was peer reviewed for accuracy and it was then used to make planning decisions based on known risks, and anticipated programme changes. I also assisted staff by generating detailed schedules for their projects.I updated the process for management and recording of risks, including a review of all risks, discovery meetings with team members to identify new risks, and migration of register to “Predict! Risk Controller” tool to make record keeping, scoring and analysis easier and faster.I changed the format of weekly team meetings to improve their focus, using a 3 month look ahead format to show team members milestones, facilitating group awareness of individual workstreams, milestones, achievements and help needed. Show less I led an equipment delivery project, setting the scope for and then identifying the required work packages, delegating their completion by effective stakeholder management achieved through a monthly Working Group which I led. I developed and implemented an auditing system for confirming delivery of equipment off contract.My responsibility for accurate Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting led me to devise a better method for measuring the Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) contract's KPI, which maximised my staff's efficiency by effective use of electronic reporting tools.As a fully trained and qualified inventory manager I was responsible for non-CLS inventory, the day to day administration of which I delegated to my member of staff.In my role as a line manager I encouraged the development of my member of staff helping him improve his confidence and abilities, enabling him to get promotion. Show less This project is a short timescale equipment project deployed with frontline troops, with a greater emphasis on urgency and continuous availability which required high levels of flexibility, commitment and ingenuity from me.I managed an availability contract with the prime contractor, and procured and managed Government Furnished Equipment in support of that contract. This required strong analytical, organisational and negotiating skills, as well as good communication skills to get the required information from Front Line troops in Afghanistan. I also had budgetary and purchasing authority.I project managed successful security accreditation of the entire deployed system. As chairman of the Security Working Group I ensured security matters were addressed promptly and effectively by project stakeholders.I project managed procurement of a new £250K IT system, from writing the business case to completion of the competition in accordance with defence acquisition rules in a short timescale to support an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) in Afghanistan. This required me to tailor the project management techniques used to fit the size and duration of the project, work closely with commercial staff, effectively brief bidders and devise and operate a scoring system to assess bids.Forming close working relationships with deployed Army users in Iraq and Afghanistan was key to my success in providing them with the best possible support. Show less I developed and maintained the Through Life Management Plan and User Requirements Document, using my strong written communication skills and attention to detail. I attended contractor meetings and demonstrations representing the MoD interests in security and IT systems integration drawing on my prior experience in these subjects.On secondment to the IT security team I helped clear their work backlog whilst gaining valuable experience in the testing of computer systems for compliance to security standards. Show less I assessed and provided ongoing management of change requests, performing impact assessments, liaison with customers and software development staff. Using my communication, organisation and analytical skills I improved the efficiency and effectiveness of change management on the project. I managed the programme risk register and reviewed business continuity plans, raising the standard of these processes. As the security focal point for the Human Resources Management System IT infrastructure, I verified and documented its compliance against MoD policy, providing information to other business areas as required. Show less I developed software training and reference materials, delivered training courses in Financial Output Management theory and use of modelling software.As the technical support helpdesk, I used my communication skills to understand and answer complex technical questions from users, referring to reference material, finance professionals or the software supplier if necessary.I prepared and analysed financial reports, using my experience of Microsoft Office to develop Excel, Access and VBScript reporting tools to assist me. Development of these tools greatly reduced the time I spent on financial analysis. Show less

  • Chinook MK6 New Buy - Scheduler and Risk Manager

    Mar 2012 - Jan 2013

  • Inventory Manager Watchkeeper Unmanned Air System

    Jul 2010 - Mar 2012

  • Project Officer H450 Unmanned Air Vehicle Urgent Operational Requirement

    Nov 2007 - Jul 2010

  • Project Support Internet Access to Shared Services Project

    Jul 2007 - Nov 2007

  • Deputy Project Manager Human Resources Management System

    Jan 2006 - Jul 2007

  • Training and Technical Support Manager Financial Output Management Team

    Dec 2003 - Jan 2006
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  Assystem UK

  Jan 2013 - Aug 2013

  Project Coordinator – Gas Turbines

  I was a project coordinator responsible for multi-disciplined engineering projects in the Systems Design area of Assystem’s Gas Turbine business, delivering mainly to clients within Rolls Royce using a team of contract and permanent staff.Key responsibilities:- Portfolio Management of 20+ projects, through full lifecycle of project. Provide effective communication and customer management. Adhere to our ISO 9001 certified quality system, and client quality management system.- Project sizes ranging from £10K to £600K- Bid preparation, negotiation and management- Staff management of multiple teams of 6+ people- Management of project budget, financial tracking & reporting, and cash flow optimisation.- Contract negotiations and change control, risk management.- Project planning and resourcing using MS Project and in-house Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Show less

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  Capita Resourcing

  Aug 2013 - Jun 2014

  Project Management Consultant

  Worked with DE&S Land Equipment Protected Mobility Team onProject Management and Tender Support to the Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgback protected patrol vehicles, my key achievements on this £60 Million work package include:- Production of detailed Statement of Work (SOW) for a complex vehicle mechanical re-engineering project. - Updating of Project Management Plan (PMP)- Updating of Risk, Issues and Opportunities Register. Using information from SME's and chairing regular risk review meetings.- Updating of Master Data Assumptions List (MDAL)- Production of System Requirements Document (SRD). Breaking down high level requirements into detailed task descriptions, seeking advice from SME, customer and engineering drawings as required.- Assessment of Bidders Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ)- Assisted in the creation of documentation for Invitation To Tender (ITT) process- Chairing of document review meetings, and learning from experience workshops- Assessment of tender responses against marking criteria using AWARD software.- Planning transition into delivery phase of project, mapping of key processes. Show less

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  Knowle West Media Centre

  Sept 2013 - Apr 2015

  After School Computer Club teacher

  Deliver teaching sessions to Children (predominantly 9-15 yrs of age) in the use of computer technology, including delivery of the "codeclub" sylabus. I have also written bespoke sylabus for teaching Sonic Pi and basic principles of writing computer software (suitable for meeting part of primary school Key Stage requirements in computing). Work has included leading sessions in local primary schools and at Knowle West Media Centre premises. I have gained experience in leading sessions within both the formal school environment and informal afterschool environment. I also provide consultancy to the media centre on how to select and use technology and develop curiculum ideas within these sessions and other digital activities. Show less

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  KPMG UK - Alliance Partner

  Jul 2014 - Aug 2014

  Project Management Office – Cost Assurance and Analysis Service (CAAS)

  Worked with DE&S CAAS team to set up the Project Management Office (PMO) function on a new project to review and benchmark pricing of the multi-billion pound T26 Global Combat Ship programme. Key achievements include:- Design and implementation of business processes.- Co-ordination of briefing materials for Senior stakeholders (inc DE&S board members).- Identifying and archiving key documents for audit purposes.

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  Evodia Ltd - Capita CL1 Framework

  Jan 2015 - Apr 2015

  PMO Schedule and Risk manager (Contract)–Ministry of Defence, Information Systems and Services (ISS)

  Provision of expert planning, scheduling, dependency and risk management and modelling expertise to Programme Management Office (PMO) in the Information Systems and Services (ISS) division of MoD. Using MS Project 2010 (EPM), Active Risk Manager (ARM), Predict Risk Analyser (PRA) software packages. Tasks successfully undertaken include; creation of PBS, WBS, new programme schedules, review and update of existing Risk register, training and mentoring of staff in Schedule Risk Analysis using PRA.

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  Matchtech

  Apr 2015 - Mar 2016

  Project Manager at Atomic Weapons Establishment

  Project Manager with a portfolio of infrastructure, re-kit and refurbishment projects sponsored by several different business areas across site. Budget of £250K up to £1M per project.- Responsible and accountable for delivery using company bespoke Project Management framework, NEC 3 contract framework and complying with nuclear industry regulations.- Worked closely with project stakeholders to deliver projects, including getting projects through design reviews, and resolving problems and changes encountered during implementation. Particularly close working with end users of facilities, engineering managers, sponsor, procurement and contract staff and key suppliers. Leadership of a large matrix managed project team including deep technical specialists.- Responsible for regularly reviewing and approving project schedule and performance with Scheduling staff in Primavera. Responsible for reviewing and approving project budgets on Oracle working in conjunction with Cost Engineer. Responsible for contributing to, reviewing and approving project estimates produced by Estimator.- Projects are safety critical with complex technical requirements operating in nuclear contamination controlled and lab environments. Show less

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  Damia Group

  Aug 2016 - Nov 2017

  Business Analyst and Process improvement Lead at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (DXC Technology)

  Working on the Ministry of Defence New Style of IT (NSoIT) Programme, to migrate ~180K users to Microsoft Office 365:- Responsible for Process mapping and ongoing process improvement. I facilitated workshops with a diverse range of stakeholders to establish initial process and ongoing improvements to that process.- Runbook Lead responsible for co-ordinating task owners to deliver migration of up to 1000 users per night and proactively respond to any incidents encountered.- Responsible for co-ordinating progress reporting.- I Wrote detailed runbooks (task lists) for use by the operations team, I am responsible for their ongoing change control and improvement. These are backed up by detailed process diagrams and documentation.- Key Skills: Communication with project managers, analysis of data, production of reports for internal stakeholders and end client. Show less

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  Atkins

  May 2018 - Aug 2018

  PMO Lead (Interim) at Home Office

  Leading the activities of a busy Portfolio Programme Management Office, supporting the senior management team with timely provision of management reporting on Projects delivered using Agile Methodology. A short interim contract to deliver improvements in processes, outputs and data quality standards of the PMO, and improve the maturity level of the PMO function whilst maintaining existing PMO services to the portfolio during restructuring and recruitment of a new team.

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  RT Consulting - United Kingdom

  Jan 2019 - May 2019

  Risk Manager at Ministry of Defence

  - Provided specialist advice on Risk Management best practice to PMO team.- Developed improved senior management reporting packs.- Mentored and developed junior risk managers.- Used Active Risk Manager (ARM) v8.- Developed and delivered training course on using Excel for business data analytics.- Risk Manager for engineering projects on Helicopters and Force Protection equipment

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  Decision Analysis Services Ltd

  May 2019 - now

  Lead Consultant

  Lead Consultant specialising in Risk Management and P3M. Working with the Defence, Critical National Infrastructure and Water Industry.I enable clients to make informed and robust decisions, collaborating with them on bespoke solutions centred around their specific needs. I work at the strategic and tactical level in both delivery and advisory roles as required by client need.