At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project management processes and coordinate activities for a transformative programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Defra, impacting over 250,000 civil servants.
- Benefits: Flexible working locations, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of change, delivering critical tools in HR, Finance, and Commercial functions.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for problem-solving.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for travel and collaboration across various teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to play a key role in transforming services for over 250,000 civil servants? Do you thrive on organisation, problem-solving, and making things happen? Want to be at the heart of a programme delivering critical Human Resources (HR), Finance, and Commercial tools? If so, this could be the perfect job for you.
This role represents an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of change, contributing to the delivery of a programme that will affect over 250,000 civil servants, providing business critical tools in HR, Finance, and Commercial functions. The Synergy programme will develop a Common Operating Model across functions and departments, implement a new technology platform to replace Single Operating Platform (SOP), a new Business Process Service contract to replace the current SSCL (Shared Services Connected Limited) agreement, and stand up a new cluster-level Shared Service Organisation.
The Project Support Officers will enable the smooth running of the programme by supporting the Project Management Office (PMO) or the project managers and programme managers in one of the wider Synergy Team areas, through the operation of project management processes, and the co-ordination of business management actions and activities on their behalf.
This role is aligned to the Project Support Officer 2 standard in the Project Delivery Capability Framework. This Capability Framework is provided as guidance to help you understand the skills and behaviours we value. You do not need to meet all the criteria listed in this document to apply.
If joining the PMO Team precise responsibilities will be flexible, but we expect the post holder will:
- Lead on resourcing for the programme team.
- Monitor resources, write job specifications, complete Eploy forms and assist on other recruitment tasks as needed.
- Support work by managers on resourcing strategy.
- Lead the rollout of timesheet recording by staff across Synergy@Defra and work with Management Accounts colleagues to drive compliance so it aligns for resource forecasts to Synergy Finance team in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Develop relationships with the Management Accounting Team, Finance business partners and Central Synergy Finance.
- Line manage the programme team Executive Officer (EO), including supervision of their work on information management, financial administration, management of team contracts, and coordination of workshops and commissions from the central Synergy team.
- Support the team as needed on the production of reports, project plans, and other documentation.
- Secure updates from action owners on risks, issues and commissions.
- Support financial controls by monitoring project spend and contribute to the compilation of budgets and the development of the business case.
- Support the coordination of actions and products for multiple governance forums.
- Contribute as required to other team needs as those emerge.
If joining one of the wider teams – Finance & Commercial / Digital & Data / HR / or Change, precise responsibilities will be flexible, but we expect the post holder will:
- Action tracking/monitoring – Ensuring Synergy functional/change programme actions are captured and effectively managed using appropriately tools i.e. MS planner.
- Monitoring and Reporting – Supporting with reporting on the functional/change Synergy programme and its constituent projects. Prepare performance reports, presenting statistics and key information.
- RAID Management – Supporting the management of Synergy functional/change programme risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies, working with project managers/programme managers and escalating as appropriate.
- Planning and Scheduling – Supporting with effective planning and scheduling. Working with programme and project teams to review and develop plans for route to green.
- Project Management – Supporting project delivery activities such as business readiness.
Please note this role can be based at any Defra office, where there is capacity. Travel to other sites and overnight stays may be required for meetings or training events.
Project Support Officer in Crewe employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working in project support roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project management and support. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed projects or tasks in the past. This could be through presentations or even a portfolio that highlights your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project support and management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your organisational and problem-solving skills shine through. Include specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or supported teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know the Synergy Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Synergy programme and its impact on civil servants. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives, such as the new technology platform and the Common Operating Model. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Project Support Officer, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks and ensured deadlines were met, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific instances where you identified issues and implemented solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it clear how your actions led to positive outcomes.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
The role involves liaising with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in managing stakeholder expectations, as this will be crucial for supporting the PMO and project managers.