At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive change and support project management across two councils for impactful community transformation.
- Company: Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, committed to local improvement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, collaborative environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping effective project management for meaningful community outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Are you passionate about driving change and making a real impact in local government? Are you an experienced project or programme manager? Adept at managing relationships? If so, we want to hear from you!
About the role
Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council are looking for a proactive and experienced Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist to help shape, strengthen and embed effective programme and project management across both councils. This is a Secondment / Fixed term role until 31st March 2028. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the OneTeam partnership, supporting the development of a consistent, practical and effective PMO function that enables strong governance, clear reporting, better decision-making and successful delivery of change.
What you will be doing
- You will support the Corporate Manager for Transformation, Policy, Performance and Funding to develop and maintain the councils’ project management framework, embed consistent tools and methods, and provide practical advice, coaching and challenge to project sponsors, project managers and services.
- Developing and supporting the effective operation of the PMO function.
- Maintaining project governance, reporting, planning and assurance processes.
- Providing guidance, training and coaching on project and programme management practice.
- Supporting project sponsors and managers to deliver projects within agreed cost, quality and timescale objectives.
- Helping services to scope projects, identify benefits and develop robust business cases.
- Monitoring benefits realisation and sharing learning to support continuous improvement.
- Working with officers, Members, partners, suppliers and contractors to support coordinated delivery.
- Contributing to resource planning and helping to prioritise work for strategic impact.
About you
We are looking for someone with strong experience of project and programme management in a complex organisation. You will be confident applying project management methodologies, developing practical tools and processes, analysing information, producing clear reports and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. You will bring excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work at pace and provide constructive challenge. Experience of benefits management, governance reporting, project planning, risk and issue management, and working with senior stakeholders will be important.
Why join us?
The OneTeam partnership offers the opportunity to work across two councils, supporting meaningful transformation and improvement for local communities. You will be part of a collaborative team focused on strengthening the way projects are planned, governed and delivered, while helping services turn ideas into well-managed, measurable outcomes.
For an informal discussion regarding this position, please contact Shelley King on 01277 312693 or by email to shelley.king@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk or Samantha.Nicholson@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk on 01277 312889. Please note shortlisting will take place week beginning 24th August with interviews provisionally week beginning 31st August.
Additional information
The role covers both Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. The postholder will be expected to work flexibly, including attending either council’s premises or other locations as required to meet service needs. Brentwood Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification.
Project Management Office (PMO) - Specialist in Essex employer: Brentwood
Brentwood Borough Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in public health. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. Our focus on community engagement and health improvement provides a meaningful and rewarding experience for our staff, making it an ideal place to grow professionally while making a positive impact in the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Management Office (PMO) - Specialist in Essex
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Brentwood. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Brentwood.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Brentwood.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Management Office (PMO) - Specialist in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Brentwood and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brentwood
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Brentwood will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Brentwood.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Brentwood.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Brentwood. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
