At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the delivery of ambitious housing projects and coordinate procurement activities.
- Company: Harlow District Council, a forward-thinking local authority with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, dynamic work environment, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on significant projects with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on community housing and development.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or coordination, ideally in construction or housing.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Harlow District Council is pleased to be supporting the recruitment of a temporary Pre-Construction Project Officer on an initial 12-month basis, with the possibility of a 12-month extension. Please note that this post requires the successful individual to be based on site for 2 to 3 days per week.
Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively. Harlow is an authority with big ambitions. Our Housing capital programme for investment work to occupied homes is in the region of £150m over the next 2 years. We are building a team of high calibre professionals and welcome applications from those with drive and experience who can help us meet the challenge.
The role involves supporting the delivery of the ambitious Planned works programme as part of the Procurement Team. You will provide essential administrative, coordination and project support throughout the procurement lifecycle of Housing Planned works to occupied council homes, including low and high rise residential blocks. The programme will deliver major refurbishment and component replacement projects at speed and scale to occupied council homes, including low- and high-rise blocks within the context of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Building Safety Act 2022 and Procurement Act 2023.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide administrative and coordination support across the Preconstruction Service for multiple projects and dimensions.
- Maintain systems and trackers to record the Preconstruction Services’ activities and progress.
- Coordinate preconstruction planning, commissioning and contracting tasks and liaise with internal and external consultants, solicitors and suppliers where required.
- Support the drafting and development of service and works documents, tender briefs by collating information and maintaining package documentation.
- Support the smooth handover of fully developed works briefs, tendered and compliant contracts to the Pre Construction Procurement and Delivery teams.
- Assist with all relevant activities, including preparing correspondence, updating trackers, meetings and maintaining records.
- Maintain accurate project files, registers, risk logs and compliance information in line with statutory and Council requirements, including the Crown Commercial Services Policy Notices.
The experience you will bring includes:
- Experience in an administrative, coordination or support role within a commercial or construction, housing environment.
- An understanding of public sector procurement and contracting would be advantageous.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- Confidence working with a wide range of internal teams and stakeholders.
- High attention to detail, with strong communication and IT skills, particularly in Excel.
- Experience working in a Local Authority or public sector environment would be beneficial, but not essential.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk.
Pre-Construction Project Officer - Harlow District Council 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 Pre-Construction Project Officer - Harlow District Council
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Project Officer - Harlow District Council
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!
