At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the delivery of ambitious housing projects through coordination and administrative support.
- Company: Essex County Council and Harlow District Council, committed to community development.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic public sector environment with potential for career growth.
- Other info: Work on-site 2-3 days a week in a thriving town with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real difference in your community's housing landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or coordination, ideally in construction or housing.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Essex County Council are pleased to be supporting Harlow District Council to recruit 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: Harlow Council is looking for a proactive and well organised Pre-Construction Project Officer to support the delivery of its ambitious Planned works programme. Working 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.
Partnering with internal and external stakeholders, the Preconstruction Service will develop works programme, the procurement programme, commissioning and procurement strategy and tender briefs for the next few years and ensure that projects tendered in a transparent, fair, equal and compliant manner.
This role would suit someone with experience in business, commercial, procurement, housing, and or property environments.
Key responsibilities:
- 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 liaising 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, the Golden Thread including the Crown Commercial Services Policy Notices.
The experience you will bring:
- 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, in particular Excel
- Experience working in a Local Authority or public sector environment would be beneficial, but not essential
Pre-Construction Project Officer in Essex employer: Hammond Clarke
Hammond Clarke is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative work culture and providing ample opportunities for professional growth within the local government sector. With a focus on meaningful projects, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in strategic planning and highways law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Project Officer in Essex
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Hammond Clarke.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Hammond Clarke appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Project Officer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Hammond Clarke know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Hammond Clarke is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hammond Clarke
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.