At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting construction projects from start to finish, making a real impact in your community.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving local infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, support for unpaid carers, and a commitment to your professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career advancement and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects that enhance services and facilities across Essex.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in project management; strong communication and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Chelmsford
Employment: Full time
Category: Project Manager
Posted: 2026-10-20
Valid to: 2026-11-09
Employer: Essex County Council
The Opportunity
As a Construction Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing the successful delivery of a portfolio of small to medium-sized construction and infrastructure projects, typically ranging in construction value from £1 million to £20 million. Working across the full project lifecycle, from project initiation and design development through procurement, construction, and handover.
Applicants will function as the client-side project lead, coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes. You will be responsible for managing project programmes, budgets, risks, procurement, and contract performance, whilst ensuring compliance with governance, assurance, and statutory requirements.
The role requires a proactive and experienced project management professional who can balance competing priorities, build strong collaborative relationships, and provide effective leadership throughout the delivery process. Working within a complex stakeholder environment, you will influence and engage a wide range of internal and external partners, ensuring projects remain aligned to strategic objectives and deliver intended benefits.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of high-profile capital investment projects that improve infrastructure, services, and facilities across Essex, while developing your experience within a dynamic and ambitious capital delivery environment.
Accountabilities
- Manage the delivery of capital construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring agreed outcomes are achieved within scope, programme, budget and quality requirements.
- Lead projects from feasibility through procurement, construction, handover and close-out.
- Develop and monitor project programmes, budgets and delivery plans, maintaining effective financial control and reporting.
- Manage project risks, issues and changes, implementing appropriate controls and mitigation measures.
- Procure and manage consultants, contractors and other delivery partners, ensuring performance and contractual compliance.
- Coordinate project meetings and maintain accurate records of decisions and actions.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, organisational policies, health and safety requirements, and industry standards.
- Contribute to continuous improvement through the promotion of best practice and lessons learned.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Degree qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
- Experience delivering construction, property, infrastructure or capital projects from inception to completion and managing consultants, contractors and project budgets.
- Knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contracts and construction health and safety requirements, including CDM Regulations.
- Experience managing project risks, issues and project reporting.
- Strong communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
Desirable
- Professional qualifications or accreditation such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, CIOB, RICS or equivalent.
- Experience working within a local authority or wider public-sector environment, delivering education, SEND or other public-sector capital projects.
- Experience undertaking client-side roles such as Employer's Representative, Contract Administrator or NEC Project Manager.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Project Manager - Capital Programme employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Capital Programme
✨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 Manager - Capital Programme at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Capital Programme
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!
