At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to enhance employment opportunities for young people in the community.
- Company: City of York Council, dedicated to reducing inequality and promoting social mobility.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, health initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for continuous learning and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to cover a secondment in our Skills Team, which is based within the Children’s and Education Directorate. You will work closely with colleagues within Children’s Services, across the council and external partners to reduce inequality, promote social mobility and enhance economic prosperity for residents.
Using your knowledge of the local labour market and experience of 14-25 pathways to employment, you will develop and deliver projects that support inclusive employment in the city, particularly for young people with SEND, who are disadvantaged or care-experienced.
Drawing on your excellent influencing, communication and organisational skills you will take a lead role – shaping calls for projects, developing business cases, managing budgets, facilitating networks and events, monitoring risk and establishing governance and reporting mechanisms. This is an integral role within the City of York Council’s small Skills Team and offers opportunities to work collaboratively with a range of local and regional partners e.g. education, skills and training providers, employers, health colleagues, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and DWP.
As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C2: Can express themselves spontaneously at length with a natural conversational flow, avoiding or backtracking around any difficulty so smoothly that the person with whom they are conversing is hardly aware of it.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer:
- a generous annual leave allowance
- access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives
- a reward package which recognises your contribution
- flexible working practices
- community engagement and volunteer activities
- continuous Learning & Development
- a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings
Closing date: Thursday 13 August at 12 midnight
Interview date: Week beginning 17 August 2026
Project Manager (Skills and Employment) employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Skills and Employment)
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like City of York Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like City of York Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Skills and Employment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for City of York Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with City of York Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for City of York Council.
