At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project delivery by coordinating activities and maintaining documentation.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic organisation driving transformational change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with diverse projects and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and improve lives in Essex.
- Qualifications: Experience in project support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33413 - 33413 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time £28,402 up to £33,413 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: 3rd July 2026
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months.
The Opportunity
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 Role
A Project Support Officer plays a key role in supporting the delivery of projects, programmes or portfolios by coordinating activities that enable successful outcomes and smooth day‑to‑day operation. Working closely with Programme Managers and project teams, you will help ensure effective delivery through the coordination of business management actions, maintaining key documentation, and supporting governance and reporting processes. You will monitor progress across projects or workstreams, contribute to managing risks and issues, and, with direction, take responsibility for overseeing smaller projects where required. You will be highly organised, able to prioritise competing demands, and bring strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels across the organisation.
Accountabilities
- Support the team by maintaining appropriate systems to ensure effective planning and scheduling of projects or programmes.
- Support the team by assisting them in maintaining project controls and producing project reports to ensure adequate and regular monitoring of project progress.
- Responsible for programme/project file management using robust version control and organising programme/project boards and meetings, together with providing support to ensure efficient operation of day‑to‑day activities.
- Supports the programme/project teams by being a main point of contact for responses to external requests for information and engaging with both internal and external contacts.
- Supports the team by monitoring programme/project spend and contribute to the compilation of budget updates whilst also ensuring updates of other tasks, such as, maintaining risk and issue logs and clearly documenting decisions.
- Supports the team by sharing any insights or escalating issues to ensure Programme and Projects Managers are kept up to date.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Experience of engaging with others to build good working relationships and communicating effectively.
- Experience of working with a broad range of individuals at different levels within an organisation and engaging with them.
- Experience and evidence of working in a project support role in a large, complex organisation.
- Evidence of adopting a structured and planned approach.
- Educated to GCSE or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.
- Curious and inspired to work in an environment where you can learn and develop.
- Experience of working within a political environment with knowledge of a public sector setting.
Project Support Officer 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 commitment to 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. Located in Chelmsford, the organisation fosters a collaborative environment where diverse projects across various service areas provide continuous learning and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer in Chelmsford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Essex County Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Essex County Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Essex County Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Essex County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Essex County Council.
