At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project delivery and coordinate activities for impactful change.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leader in transformational change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent experience in project management.
The predicted salary is between 40761 - 40761 £ per year.
Fixed Term / Secondment (12 months), Full Time £34,647 to £40,761 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 2nd July 2026
*Please note this is a hybrid‑working role, with a requirement to work in the Chelmsford office 1‑2 days per week, depending on business need.
The opportunity:
Essex County Council has a significant track record of delivering complex and innovative transformational change. Since 2021 our transformation programmes have delivered over £48M of savings from the most complex initiatives at the Council. The organisation prioritises critical areas of focus to deliver further financial benefit and drive meaningful change. Our award‑winning Transformation Team is key to this effort and offers a dynamic environment for project management professionals, with career pathways, training and a strong project community.
The role:
The Assistant Project Manager supports the delivery of projects, programmes, and portfolios, ensuring smooth project activities by assisting Project Managers, applying project management processes, and coordinating key business management tasks. You may also support portfolio reporting and lead smaller projects or workstreams where required.
The ideal candidate has experience in a project environment, strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise effectively, and confident communication skills to engage stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
Accountabilities:
- Responsible for ensuring robust systems are in place to enable effective planning and scheduling within a project, programme or portfolio.
- Responsible for managing project controls effectively to ensure all reports provide accurate updates on project status and highlight any specific concerns about progress.
- Responsible for ensuring key operational activities are conducted efficiently and compliantly, including Health and Safety.
- Responsible for documenting resource requirements and plans for projects/programmes/portfolios, and recommending workforce planning.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including senior management.
- Monitor project spend and support business case sign‑off.
- Identify risk areas, elevate to the Project/Programme Manager, and recommend mitigation.
- Lead specific workstreams within projects to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes within time, cost and constraints.
Targets and objectives are defined annually in the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring:
- Educated to A level or equivalent by extensive experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge, e.g. APM or Prince2 foundation.
- Experience and evidence of involvement in project management.
- Ability to work with individuals at different levels and overcome obstacles.
- Curious manner and innovative approach to problem solving.
- Experience in a political environment with knowledge of the public sector.
- Good planning, organisation and determination to meet deadlines.
Equal Opportunities and Accessibility:
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job requirements. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We value integrity and ethical behaviour. Please embrace our code of conduct and Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
For queries on this role, email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Assistant Project Manager in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for project management professionals. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and career pathways, the council fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while still providing opportunities to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders in Chelmsford, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Project Manager in Chelmsford
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Assistant Project Manager at Essex County Counci!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Assistant Project Manager role at Essex County Counci!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Project Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Essex County Counci. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Essex County Counci. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
