At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes that redefine local government services in Essex.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in public service innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and support for personal development.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of local governance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management, especially in local government settings.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About The Role
This is a temporary opportunity for a period of up to 6 months. This is not incremental improvement; it is a fundamental re‑imagining of how services are organised and how decisions are made across Essex. Working on a programme of this scale demands exceptional skills, strong strategic and operational thinking, along with exceptional programme delivery, planning, reporting and confident leadership. The ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, and the resilience to deliver clarity and momentum in an evolving landscape.
You will need to bring sharp analytical capability, excellent communication, political awareness, and the adaptability to operate in a fast‑moving, high‑profile environment. If you want to join Essex County Council at a pivotal moment, working on a bold, high‑profile, and complex programme and play a key role in work that will define the future of local government in Essex, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact.
As an experienced Programme Manager, you will be accountable for shaping and delivering a programme of work which is cross cutting and has a high level of complexity, you will create multiple projects and manage the associated business change activities to evidence a significant contribution to the delivery of the Council’s Strategic aims and management of financial pressures. You will build compelling business cases to drive change, establishing appropriate programme governance and assurance, monitoring progress, managing risks and issues and ensuring the business can accommodate the change.
As an experienced and exemplary leader, with professional credibility gained from working within a programme management environment, you will be influential in delivering change that supports best practice and the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives.
Accountabilities
- Works collaboratively with service areas and partners supporting the development of compelling business cases.
- Builds effective stakeholder and partner relationships at senior level, which are influential and elicit support at senior level.
- Accountable for leading teams of people, to build professionalism and expertise through development activities.
- Accountable for developing and delivering a resourcing plan, including management of programme budget, for complex & large‑scale programmes to ensure delivery of outcomes.
- Responsible for overseeing risk and issue management, ensures mitigations are in place to address issues between elements of the programme, resolving these through negotiated agreement or escalating.
- Works collaboratively with customers to agree quantified realisable benefits and metrics to monitor impact.
- Designing and actively managing the programme plan, ensuring outcomes are achieved.
- Accountable for maintaining the overall integrity and coherence of programme & governance framework to support each project.
- Plan programme assurance activities and manage dependencies within the programme and across other activities in the portfolio.
- Responsible for cascading the programme vision and translating these into delivery objectives which support the Strategic Aims of the Council.
- Lead the programme to deliver the business case benefits and outcomes.
- Responsible for providing technical leadership in both line and matrix management styles, to ensure successful delivery of programmes and for supporting the Portfolio Manager in leading, assuring and delivering the portfolio of work which delivers against the Strategic Aims of the Council.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area, accredited to the level of APM Practitioner or MSP Practitioner.
- Experience of working as a Programme Manager within a local Government setting.
- Evidence of successfully implementing major change initiatives within a range of large organisations.
- Experience of working closely with Members and senior leaders and managers to overcome resistance to change.
- Ideally experience of working within a political environment with detailed knowledge of a public sector setting & the nuances involved in being part of a complex environment.
- Experience of working with complex multi‑agency partnerships and stakeholder groups.
- Exemplary leadership capability evidenced in creating a high‑performance culture, drawing on specialist skills and expertise effectively, bringing together diverse capabilities.
- Evidence of creativity in exploring innovative business opportunities which maximise opportunities for development of a financially sustainable service.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Please note that Essex County Council has determined that the off‑payroll working rules will not apply to this assignment. 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 have queries on this role or require anything further, please email essexsharedservices@esses.gov.uk
Programme Manager – LGR in Chelmsford employer: Essex
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative programmes that shape the future of local government in Essex. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values integrity and diversity, you will thrive in a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and the chance to work in a dynamic, high-profile setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager – LGR in Chelmsford
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Essex can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Essex; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Essex.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager – LGR in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Essex and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Essex's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
