Supporting change in a leading retail organisation

Grayce Analyst, Jack Simpson-Wharmby, shares his experience supporting Governance, Risk and Compliance in a leading retail organisation. 

For the past 7 months I have been working for Grayce delivering at a household name retailer as a PMO Analyst within the Governance, Risk and Compliance Team.  

A day in the life of Jack 

My assignment is both engaging and varied; a typical day usually involves assisting with the launch of Keyedin Solutions (a Project Portfolio Management Software Tool) across the Group IT Portfolio and wider departments. As an admin and SME on the system, my role requires close liaison with many different stakeholders, including Executives, Heads of Portfolio, Change Leads, Governance Leads, Project Managers, Business Analysts and Testers. 

Additionally, as part of the Governance Team, I play a key role in the organisation of project submissions and progress, helping PMs to manage Gate Reviews, highlight risks, capture lessons learned, and ensure processes are being adhered to and documented accurately. Finally, I am also heavily involved in refining various processes with Invoicing and Finance, gaining fantastic exposure and understanding of SAP along the way. 

Proudest moments 

Despite still being in its early stages, the work I have completed regarding the launch of Keyedin has already been significantly beneficial to the client in aiding ‘one source of data’, from which insightful reporting and analysis can be captured. As such, this helps to provide decision-makers with more accurate, relevant data to make better informed decisions, ultimately driving important transformation right across the Group IT Portfolio. 

The most significant evidence of this would be the production of a consistent Monthly Management IT Leadership Pack, with all data contained derived entirely from the information uploaded onto Keyedin. My team is responsible for pulling this pack together, and we were subsequently commended by Senior Executives for the accuracy of the information provided. In turn, being a part of this team’s success has been my proudest achievement since starting my client placement. 

Additionally, the work I have completed regarding process refinement in both Project Assurance and Invoicing procedures have helped the client enhance their working practices, thus increasing effectiveness and efficiency in key areas through lessons learned, risk analysis, and best practice. 

My insight on Grayce 

Following the wealth of training I have completed so far within Level 1 of the Grayce Change+ Development Programme, and my experiences on client site, I have particularly enjoyed requirement gathering and look forward to furthering my expertise in this space as I progress into Level 2. 

From my personal experience with Grayce, and discussions with my peers and clients, our flexible resource solution allows us to explore different roles and practices, whilst providing the client with resource to cover project work. I also work alongside Grayce Alumni who have transitioned over to the client having graduated from the Development Programmes, offering a talent pipeline solution as an alternative. The calibre of Grayce Analysts and exceptional value we provide to our clients is something I take pride in. 

My favourite aspect of working for Grayce is the community spirit that radiates through the company day-in, day-out. For example, during my time on client site I have reached out on several occasions to either Grayce Alumni and current Grayce Analysts on assignment at the same and other clients. No matter the nature of my query, somebody is always happy to help in any way they can or point me in the right direction. It is this value of community living the Grayce value of ‘succeeding together’ which I believe sets Grayce apart – it is promoted, and delivered on entirely throughout, even in those who have gone on to secure positions at client companies.