At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in children's social care and education reform.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in community-focused change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and impactful outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55129 - 55129 £ per year.
Fixed Term / Secondment (to January 2028), Full Time £46,860 to £55,129 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 11th August 2026
This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office one day per week on average, depending on business need. Please note this opportunity will be offered as a fixed-term contract or secondment until January 2028. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK for this duration.
Essex County Council is delivering a bold and ambitious programme of reform across Children's Social Care and Education Services - representing the most significant changes in over two decades. We are seeking a capable and motivated Project Manager to support the Programme Manager in delivering specific projects within this wider transformation programme.
This role will be responsible for managing the delivery of defined projects that contribute to the successful implementation of change including the Families First Partnership Programme and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. You will ensure that project objectives are clearly scoped, planned, and delivered on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards.
You will work within a complex system, collaborating with internal teams and external partners—Including Health, Education, Police, and the voluntary sector—to ensure project outputs align with wider programme goals and deliver meaningful improvements for children, young people, and families.
The role requires strong project management skills, including planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and governance. You will be confident in managing multiple priorities and influencing others to ensure delivery remains on track.
Hosted within Essex County Council’s Transformation Team, the Project Manager will apply the Council’s established change methodology, standards, and governance to ensure consistency and quality in programme delivery.
While experience in Children’s Services is beneficial, we welcome candidates with strong project management expertise and the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
Accountabilities- Responsible for managing a project, which contributes to ECC’s strategic aims, to deliver agreed outcomes within time and cost constraints.
- Responsible for undertaking day to day management of both the project and the project team.
- Responsible for ensuring a robust business case has been agreed ensuring expertise and specialist knowledge has contributed to the development of the business case in order to align project deliverables to the organisation’s expectations.
- Responsible for developing and monitoring the project progress to ensure this stays within the agreed budget.
- Set out resource requirements in order to be prioritised by the Portfolio/Programme Manager.
- Responsible for managing, leading and motivating a team and ensuring current capability is matched against project requirements.
- This incorporates support and coaching for individuals and the team, as appropriate, in order to develop a high performing team.
- Responsible for ensuring agreement with customers of quantified benefits to be realised & metrics required to monitor impact.
- Designing and actively managing the project plan to ensure the outcomes are achieved.
- Responsible for highlighting project risks and issues and ways in which these can be mitigated and escalated as appropriate.
- Responsible for ensuring effective Change Management processes are in place and changes to deliverables as agreed with stakeholders are documented.
- Responsible for ensuring an effective governance and assurance framework is in place to support decision making and ensure regular reporting on progress through pro-active engagement with project sponsors.
- Work collaboratively with and manage internal stakeholder relationships together with external partners.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent by extensive experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area, such as, APM practitioner or Prince 2.
- Evidence of having successfully completed several projects and experienced contributing to a range of other projects and/or programmes.
- Experience of working with a diverse range of individuals at different levels within a complex organisation and engaging with them, finding ways to overcome obstacles.
- Experience of working within a political environment with knowledge of a public sector setting and involvement in a large, complex environment.
- Good management skills in leading and managing a team and evidence of developing others.
- Ideally experience of working and delivering successful projects in children’s services and / or education.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Project Manager – Children’s Social Care and Education Reform in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager – Children’s Social Care and Education Reform in Chelmsford
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager – Children’s Social Care and Education Reform in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Essex County Counci.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Essex County Counci that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
