Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting education projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets while collaborating with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, dedicated to enhancing community through strategic capital investment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your project management skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in project management; knowledge of methodologies like Prince 2 is essential.
- Other info: Mobile role requiring a driving licence; flexible working across Essex.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Job Description
Development Manager – (Education Project Sponsor)Fixed Term (18 months), Full Time£46,501 to £54,707 per annumLocation: Chelmsford*Working Style: Anywhere workerClosing Date: 29th September 2025 *Please note this is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work at a functional work location (across Essex) 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need. This opportunity will be offered as an 18 month fixed-term contract or secondment. The Capital Investment and Infrastructure Delivery team will develop and deliver the capital programme for Essex County Council.
The team will focus on developing opportunities for capital investment in order to secure financial returns to support the Council's strategic priorities. Responsible for the overall strategy, direction, co-ordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of specific projects within budget and to strict deadlines; whilst ensuring consistency with business strategy, commitments and goals. With professional accreditation or a deep understanding of project management methodologies and the ability to demonstrate this in the delivery of projects/programmes.
This role will also have experience of developing and maintaining project plans, setting key milestones and deploying and managing resources to meet these. Accountabilities Responsible for contributing to the development of strategies and plans to effectively manage stakeholder expectations. Ensuring successful delivery of quality project outcomes within agreed constraints, in support of function Business Plans.
Work in collaboration with senior leaders and stakeholders to define and agree project scope, critical success factors and deliverables in support of wider strategic goals. Develop and deliver the project control documentation and agree reporting requirements with the client. Ensuring currency and compliance of project documentation, in line with agreed guidelines, to enable audits to be carried out.
Develop strategies to manage progress of the project plan, identifying risks, changes in scope and potential issues. Devise contingency plans to mitigate risks and escalate as necessary. Deliver progress reports to the Portfolio Manager and/or Business Owner and Project Board, advising if project tolerances are being exceeded, informing and shaping decisions, presenting options and challenges as required.
Manage and monitor progress of the project budget, identifying opportunities for efficiency savings and value for money benefits, producing accurate forecasts and reports. Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver work streams and projects to agreed quality criteria and parameters. Quality assuring standards and challenging as required.
Contributes to the revision/updating of project governance and management processes to reflect industry best practice and adhere to the Council's policies. Gains an understanding of new and emerging methodologies, associated tools and techniques. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or professional qualification, or equivalent by experience. Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. Professional accreditation or deep understanding of project management methodologies e.g., Prince 2, or demonstration through experience.
Demonstrates theoretical knowledge and understanding of the technical, and contextual elements of project management and an ability to evaluate value to projects/programmes. Good understanding of Change Management theories and experience of practical application. Experience of developing and maintaining an agreed project plan, including key milestones with evidence of planning and managing the deployment of resources to meet project milestones.
Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships which encourage collaboration and engender delivery. Experience of delivering organisational change in a complex environment. Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area.
Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. To read more about us please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health – Working for Essex
Development Manager (Education Project Sponsor), Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager (Education Project Sponsor), Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific project management methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as Prince 2. Being able to discuss these methodologies confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector or those who have experience with Essex County Council projects. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights and potentially useful connections that could help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing stakeholder expectations and delivering quality project outcomes. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current strategic priorities of Essex County Council. Understanding their goals will allow you to tailor your responses in interviews and show how your skills and experiences align with their objectives, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager (Education Project Sponsor), Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly any roles where you've developed and maintained project plans. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines and manage resources effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your qualifications align with the job requirements. Emphasise your professional accreditation or understanding of project management methodologies like Prince 2, and provide examples of successful project delivery.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to manage stakeholder expectations and collaborate with senior leaders. Highlight any experience you have in developing strategies for effective communication and project scope definition.
Demonstrate Continuous Professional Development: Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed that relate to project management or change management. This shows your commitment to staying updated with industry best practices and methodologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand Project Management Methodologies
Make sure you have a solid grasp of project management methodologies like Prince2. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this role heavily relies on effective project management.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder expectations in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate with senior leaders and ensure project alignment with strategic goals.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Think about times when you've identified risks or changes in project scope. Be prepared to explain how you developed contingency plans and escalated issues, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Budget Management
Since managing project budgets is key, come equipped with examples of how you've monitored budgets, identified efficiency savings, and produced accurate forecasts. This will show your financial acumen in project delivery.
