At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects that drive real change across various services.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in transformational change and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, with project management certifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 57059 - 57059 £ per year.
Fixed Term / Secondment (12 months), Full Time £48,501 to £57,059 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 12th July 2026
This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office expected to be 2-3 days per month on average, depending on business need. Please note this opportunity will be offered as a 12 month fixed‑term contract or secondment.
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. Our organisational and political leadership prioritise critical areas of focus, aiming to deliver a further £20m financial benefit during 27/28. The national award‑winning Transformation Team is critical to driving change in ECC and Greater Essex across many areas, including public realm, technology, citizen experience, and more. This role offers exciting opportunities to grow your project management career. As a project professional, you will work across multiple service areas – highways and waste, adult social care, children’s services, digital services – ensuring no two projects are the same and providing continuous professional development.
Roles & responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee project delivery, ensuring objectives are defined, achievable, and delivered within agreed timelines.
- Establish effective project governance, maintain robust assurance processes, and manage risks and issues to support successful outcomes.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders to influence decision‑making, ensure project outputs are delivered, and intended benefits realised.
- Manage day‑to‑day project and team management, including resource planning, budgeting, and support coaching to develop high‑performing teams.
- Ensure a robust business case, benefits quantified, and metrics for monitoring impact are agreed with customers.
- Implement change management processes and document changes to deliverables in line with stakeholder agreement.
- Maintain an effective governance and assurance framework for decision‑making and regular reporting to sponsors.
- Manage internal stakeholder relationships and external partners.
- Meet annual targets and objectives defined within the performance management framework.
The experience you will bring:
- Degree level education or equivalent by substantial experience.
- Continuing professional development evidence, including APM practitioner or Prince2 certification.
- Successfully completed several projects and contributed to a range of other projects/programmes.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders at different levels in a complex organisation and overcoming obstacles.
- Knowledge of political environment and public sector setting with large complex projects.
- Strong management skills in leading a team and developing others.
Equity, diversity and inclusion:
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interview all disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. All applicants are evaluated equally, and reasonable adjustments are made during the recruitment process if necessary. All employees must share a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and flexible working options.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Potential contribution to significant savings and transformation across the county.
Project Manager in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development for Project Managers. With a competitive salary and flexible hybrid working options, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful transformation initiatives across the county. The council's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures a supportive workplace where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Chelmsford
✨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 Essex County Counci. 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 Essex County Counci.
✨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 Essex County Counci.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Chelmsford
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 Essex County Counci 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 Essex County Counci
✨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 Essex County Counci 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 Essex County Counci.
✨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 Essex County Counci.
✨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 Essex County Counci. 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.
