At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage projects to reduce flood risk in Essex.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for career development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in project management or flood risk management.
The predicted salary is between 73776 - 73776 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: 62,710 to 73,776 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 26th July 2026 (23:59)
Interview Dates: 10th & 11th August 2026
Job Purpose
Essex is committed to ensuring it is a place where business can flourish, communities are supported to be more resilient, collective environmental impact is minimised and strong partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sector are secured to drive joint outcomes. The Project Delivery Manager will lead and project manage delivery contracts in the execution of our Flood Capital Programme, thereby reducing flood risk to properties and assets. The role will operate under strict delivery deadlines, subject to public and political pressures and expectations.
With experience of developing priorities for capital investment and the practical application of programme and project management methodologies, this role will also require experience of building and maintaining strong relationships with finance and delivery partners. Roles at this level will be focused on delivering results in a specific functional area. They will hold expertise on the application of policy and improvement of service delivery. These roles have clear team budgets and targets set within the overall service requirements.
The role is accountable for:
- Undertaking regular operational planning and performance reviews to maintain exceptional service delivery and ensure the political objectives and priorities of the council are met.
- Working collaboratively within and across internal functions to commercially support the delivery of best possible outcomes for our customers on a financially sustainable basis.
- Maintaining and nurturing collaborative relationships with other teams in the function and external organisations that support the delivery of annual plans relating to water management.
- Implementing changes and continually evaluating service to improve the area of work, while maintaining the highest possible levels of service quality.
- Managing complex issues and resources to meet the needs of customers and deliver the best possible outcomes for the flood capital programme.
- Effective utilisation of digital technologies and innovation across the function.
- Ensuring equality and diversity are celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.
- Using professional expertise to translate goals and plans into ways of working that comply with relevant legislation and statutory requirements and manage a level of appropriate risk.
- Delivering exemplar customer interactions to individuals and communities which support strong relationships and a reputation for achieving outcomes and resolving issues.
Accountabilities
- Responsible for the use of project management techniques ensuring resources are used effectively in the delivery of flood capital projects, meeting timescales and costs set in the flood capital programme.
- Delivers advice on priorities and proposals for flood capital projects submitted by the project delivery team.
- Lead the performance management review process with project design engineers, taking responsibility for the identification of, and delivery against, performance targets.
- Conduct regular case-management reviews and prioritisation techniques across the delivery function.
- Deliver quarterly project delivery and implementation updates to senior leaders and managers.
- Support the Executive Flood Partnership Group and Essex Flood Board.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders and members.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with all appropriate external and internal procurement, finance and legal regulation and processes.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
Skills and Knowledge
- Educated to degree level and/or equivalent professional qualification, or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area (e.g. flood risk management, programme and project management).
- Senior project management training/qualification/accreditation/experience with evidence of successful project outcomes.
- Proficient in the development of priorities for capital investment and policy objectives, in a large and complex service organisation.
- Ability to develop strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
- Knowledge and experience of working within a legal/political framework.
- Knowledge of delivering flood risk and water management, the role of Local Authorities, and the challenges being faced.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
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.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
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.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
Project Delivery Manager - (Flood Capital Programme), Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Delivery Manager - (Flood Capital Programme), Chelmsford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Essex County Council, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Delivery Manager - (Flood Capital Programme), Chelmsford at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Delivery Manager - (Flood Capital Programme), Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
