Countryside Commissioning Project Manager in Surrey, Woking

The role involves commissioning services to improve Visitor Services on the Countryside Estate, overseeing the delivery of specific outputs to time, quality, and cost. Key outputs will include:

• Working with visitors and non-visitors to facilitate a co-designed approach to establishing outcomes and practical delivery which support the 2030 Vision for visitor experience.
• Cross-departmental working to deliver web-based and digital systems which support an increase in the range of visitor experiences on site.
• Commissioning market research into user groups and commercial markets to direct programme delivery.
• Sourcing, procuring, and managing consultants to deliver projects to a successful outcome.
• Responsibility for budget management and reporting.
• Establishing a set of programme indicators and success criteria, maintaining a programme plan, and submitting progress reports through relevant governance channels.
• Providing technical input to strategic planning and strategy development within the Commissioning and Countryside Teams.

Work Context: The Council is undergoing a period of unprecedented change, and this role will be an important part of the ongoing transformation. The role holder will need to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to embed commissioning within initiatives. Working closely with the Countryside Estate Operational Team, this role will be integral to delivering a commissioning-based approach to both digital and on-site visitor improvements.

Budget Responsibility: Direct responsibility for budget up to £0.5m.

Experience required includes:

• Professional qualification or evidence of knowledge and understanding of appropriate business disciplines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computerised business systems in terms of functionality and capability.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, policies, and procedures relating to business planning and financial and organisational management.
• Proven written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to understand, meet, and exceed customer expectations.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise high levels of initiative to devise and implement workable solutions.
• Proven ability to manage a range of projects through to completion.
• Significant practical or professional experience and understanding of business, supporting service teams, and/or providing support to the public.
• Previous management experience including staff supervision, development, and organisational skills.
• A Project management qualification.
• Experience of developing system requirements, process maps, and implementing digital improvements.
• Experience of managing projects and ensuring that the project management documentation meets the required standards.
• Strong communication skills with an open and honest approach.
• Ability to work with suppliers, support on the negotiations of contracts, and day-to-day management of the relationship.
• Advanced ability to manage uncertainty and understand the impact of this on portfolio/project.
• Experience of working within a political setting.

Role Summary: Roles at this level lead and manage the work of larger teams or a grouping of two or more teams with a common theme. They may also be professional roles undertaking research and providing complex advice and/or managing specialist projects. They will plan and ensure progress within established procedures and policy, responding effectively to changing priorities and different situations. They will work closely with customers, staff, partners, third parties, agencies, and/or contractors, ensuring their services achieve the agreed service standards in a cost-effective way and improving quality standards. Forward planning could be for months ahead, and the role will contribute to longer-term development.