At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver transformation projects while collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Company: Colchester City Council, committed to community improvement and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and organisational change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Colchester City Council is advertising the role of Project Manager on a 9 Month fixed term contract. Please note due to the urgency of this role, immediate availability would be required.
As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading and delivering a range of transformation, revenue and capital projects across the organisation. Working closely with senior leaders, service managers, elected members and external stakeholders, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve their intended outcomes. You will manage all aspects of the project lifecycle, from planning and governance through to implementation, benefits realisation and successful project closure, supporting the delivery of the Council’s Fit for Future Transformation Programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the successful delivery of transformation, capital and revenue projects.
- Develop and maintain project plans, risk registers, issue logs, decision logs and governance documentation.
- Facilitate workshops and working groups to support service redesign, customer journey improvements and business process change.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the Council and with external partners.
- Monitor project performance and provide regular progress, risk and exception reporting.
- Manage project budgets, forecasts and expenditure.
- Support the implementation and embedding of organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Present project updates, recommendations and reports to senior leaders, programme boards and governance groups.
- Identify and manage project risks, issues and dependencies.
- Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed objectives, timescales and expected benefits.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Strong understanding of recognised project management methodologies.
- Experience managing project risks, issues, budgets and governance processes.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence, negotiate and build effective working relationships.
- Extensive experience managing and successfully delivering initiatives within fast‑paced, rapidly evolving Agile transformation and change environments, driving business outcomes through effective stakeholder engagement, cross‑functional collaboration, and adaptive delivery practices.
- Experience of improving and embedding customer and business facing processes.
- Be able to plan, monitor and prioritise multiple competing activities & numerous core deliverables.
- Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Project management qualification such as PRINCE2, AgilePM, APM or equivalent.
Desirable
- Experience working within local government or the public sector.
- Experience working with elected members and senior leadership teams.
- Knowledge of organisational transformation and change management.
Why Join Us?
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to work on high‑profile projects with significant organisational impact.
- Varied and rewarding work supporting the delivery of strategic priorities.
Project Manager in Essex employer: Essex County Counci
Colchester City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where Project Managers can thrive. With a focus on professional development and training opportunities, employees are empowered to lead high-profile projects that have a significant impact on the community. The council's commitment to continuous improvement and strategic priorities ensures that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of Colchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Essex
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Essex
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!
