Project Management, Data & Improvement Specialist in Maldon

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Project Management, Data & Improvement Specialist, a full‑time position offering hybrid working with an expectation of attending the office as required for meetings. Are you passionate about change and supporting delivery of projects and insight? Our Performance, Improvement and LGR team are looking for a new team member. Ideally, we are seeking someone with experience delivering projects or championing corporate changes but most importantly we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a willingness to learn.

We require someone who is comfortable engaging and communicating effectively with staff at all levels of the organisation. We also need someone who understands the importance of good quality data, and the role will include helping to source, maintain and create it. Any experience in data analysis and presentation would be beneficial, including spatial data using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). For the right candidate, full training in systems and processes will be given - we are looking for someone with a positive attitude and delivery focus.

You will be involved in business improvement work, project delivery and corporate performance management. This is an exciting and varied role supporting key corporate functions.

Role Purpose: To support process improvement work for the Council. To engage key stakeholders and work together to understand and agree new processes. To provide training and assistance for project managers and those completing improvement projects. To enable the delivery of continual improvement programme in the organisation. Deliver monthly corporate performance reporting and compliance, including through the development of Power BI reports.

Accountabilities – Service Delivery:

• Deliver monthly reporting and support end to end project review.
• Manage and organise meetings such as pre project appraisals and follow up, tracking and reporting actions in the correct forums.
• Deliver monthly corporate project governance reporting and compliance, including through the development of Power BI reports.
• Liaise with staff at all levels to identify project reporting process efficiencies.
• Build technical digital forms solutions where relevant.
• Review the whole end‑end customer journey, recognising and making improvements that are customer‑focused as identified.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to enable technical change.
• Train others to build PMO to improve capacity and resilience of Officers.
• Facilitate workshops internally to upskill and enable colleagues in the PMO process.
• Measure and analyse the impact of projects and improvement changes and report this to senior officers and Councillors in a readable format.
• Write business case and technical brief documents when required.
• Present documentation to Directors and Councillors regularly and as required.

The Experience You Will Bring:

Qualifications and Knowledge: A strong candidate will bring a relevant degree or specialist experience, solid understanding of project methodologies and business process re‑engineering such as Lean Six Sigma, working knowledge of PMO practices and systems integration or experience in sourcing and analysing data. Any experience in data analysis and presentation would be beneficial, including spatial data using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), skilled with Visio, Power BI, Excel and Project, and able to communicate and negotiate effectively across teams.

Experience: A strong candidate will have hands‑on experience in project delivery and championing corporate changes. Ideally you will have understanding of PMO governance, proven leadership and facilitation skills, and the ability to communicate confidently with stakeholders at all levels, including senior officers and Members.

Skills and Ability: A successful candidate will be highly organised, able to manage shifting priorities in a fast‑paced environment, and confident using Microsoft 365 tools and service‑specific systems. You’ll demonstrate strong communication skills, producing clear reports and business cases, while identifying risks and balancing competing demands. Excellent time management, professional presentation skills, and the ability to remain composed under pressure are essential for engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

Benefits:

• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Flexible and agile working
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Discounted local gym membership
• Free parking

Equal Opportunities: Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, culture and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status. Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To demonstrate our commitment, we have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer. As a Disability Confident Employer we take various actions in order to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

Essex Shared Services is advertising this role as part of its partnership with Maldon District Council; however, the successful candidate will be employed directly by Maldon District Council.