At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project delivery and coordinate activities for impactful community projects.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic organisation driving transformational change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, career development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with continuous opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of over 1.8 million residents while growing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project environments and strong organisational skills are essential.
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: Hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work in the Chelmsford office 1-2 days per week, depending on business need.
Please note this opportunity will be offered as a 12 month fixed-term contract or secondment.
Essex County Council has a significant track record of delivering complex and innovative transformational change. The Transformation approach is a key part of that and since 2021 our transformation programmes have delivered over £48M of savings from the most complex initiatives at the Council. Our organisational and political leadership have prioritised their critical areas of focus, which will deliver meaningful and sustainable change over the next few years aiming to deliver a further £20m financial benefit during 27/28.
Our nationally respected, award-winning Transformation Team are critical to driving change in ECC and Greater Essex over a number of areas. Whether your background or interest as a project professional is in public realm, technological change and innovation, citizen and resident experience, there are a myriad of exciting opportunities in Essex. We’re looking forward to helping you to start, continue or expand your project career here!
Essex County Council (ECC) is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that offers a compelling environment for both aspiring and experienced project management professionals. Whether you are starting your career or bringing experience, we invest in you. With career pathways, training opportunities, and a strong project profession community, you’ll be supported to thrive.
At ECC, project management is not just about delivery—it is about improving the lives of over 1.8 million residents. From transforming adult social care and education services to advancing digital innovation and improving resident experiences, the projects you work on have a tangible impact. Joining the Transformation Team at ECC offers exposure to a broad and diverse portfolio of programmes and projects. As a project professional you will have the chance to work across multiple service areas, including highways and waste, adult social care, children’s services, and digital services. This variety ensures that no two projects are the same and provides continuous opportunities to build experience, broaden expertise, and develop professionally.
Essex County Council has a strong focus on transformation and continuous improvement. The organisation embraces new ways of working and innovative approaches to service delivery. For project professionals, this means being at the forefront of change—leading complex transformation programmes and helping shape the future of public services. Project professionals at ECC are part of a supportive professional community, one that builds capability, with access to training, communities of practice, informal and formal learning opportunities and recognised methodologies. The scale and ambition of ECC’s transformation agenda mean there are always opportunities to stretch and grow.
The Assistant Project Manager plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of projects, programmes, and portfolios. You will help ensure the smooth running of project activities by supporting Project Managers, applying project management processes, and coordinating key business management tasks. You may also support portfolio reporting for a Head of Transformation Delivery and take responsibility for leading smaller projects or workstreams where required.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in a project environment, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise effectively. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to engage and collaborate with 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 an accurate update on project status and highlight any specific concerns on progress.
- Responsible for ensuring key operational activities are conducted efficiently in a timely manner whilst ensuring compliance and adherence to critical business processes, such as Health and Safety.
- Responsible for documenting resource requirements and plans for projects/programmes/portfolios. Make recommendations to actively manage workforce planning for Project Managers and enable decision making on the best resources for each project based on current capability.
- Work collaboratively with a broad and diverse group of internal and external stakeholders including senior management.
- Responsible for effectively monitoring specific project spend and provide information required to support business case sign-off to ensure both Project and Programme Managers are kept up to date on progress.
- Responsible for taking the lead on highlighting potential areas for risk and escalating as appropriate to the Project/Programme Manager, recommending ways to mitigate such risks.
- Responsible for leading specific workstreams within projects to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes within time, cost and constraints. This will include design of workstream and delivery approach.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within 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 in relevant professional area. For example, APM or Prince 2 foundation.
- Experience and evidence of involvement in project management.
- Experience of working with a broad range of individuals at different levels within the organisation and engaging with them, finding ways to overcome obstacles.
- Keen to engage with others and learn from them.
- Experience of working within a political environment with knowledge of a public sector setting and involvement in a large, complex environment.
- Good planning and organisation skills, determination to meet deadlines.
- Curious manner, innovative approach in looking for alternative solutions.
Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct.
Assistant Project Manager in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its project management professionals. With a strong focus on transformation and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, extensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of over 1.8 million residents. The hybrid-working model allows for flexibility while being part of a dynamic team in the vibrant city of Chelmsford, making it an ideal location for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant 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 Council. 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 Council.
✨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 Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant 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 Council 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 Council
✨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 Council 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 Council.
✨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 Council.
✨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 Council. 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.
