At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead critical workstreams in a major public sector transformation programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, strong visibility, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a pivotal organisational change.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector transformation and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with an ambitious leadership team.
£550 + VAT per day 6‑month Contract with view to extend (Inside IR35) - Umbrella only Oxford (Hybrid - minimum 3 days per week on site)
You will be joining a major public sector organisation in the Oxfordshire region that is delivering a large, multi‑year organisational change programme. This work spans multiple directorates and involves significant structural, operational and service‑level transformation.
To ensure the programme is delivered with discipline, clarity and governance, the organisation is seeking an experienced Project Manager who is energised by complexity, motivated by purpose and ready to play a central role in a pivotal period of organisational change.
As Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of delivering some of the programme’s most critical workstreams. You will bring order, structure and momentum to a fast-moving environment where clarity and discipline are essential. Day to day, you will take full ownership of planning, coordinating and driving delivery, ensuring key milestones are met and that risks, issues and dependencies are managed proactively and transparently. You will act as a trusted delivery partner to senior stakeholders, providing insight, challenge and direction while keeping the programme aligned to its strategic objectives. You will shape governance conversations, maintain high‑quality documentation, and ensure that decision making is informed and timely. This is a role that demands confidence, autonomy and a genuine passion for delivering tangible results within complex public sector environments.
Success in this role will come from your deep experience of delivering transformation within public sector settings. You will have worked within local authorities, government departments or arm’s-length bodies such as UKRI, BEIS or DEFRA, giving you the grounding to navigate politically sensitive landscapes with ease. You will bring a proven background in managing large, multilayered change initiatives and the ability to impose structure and clarity where it is most needed. Strong planning, governance and stakeholder engagement skills will be second nature to you, as will the confidence to influence senior leaders and maintain delivery focus under pressure. Above all, you will have the resilience, discipline and commitment required to keep a complex transformation journey firmly on track.
You will join an organisation that is genuinely invested in change and ready to empower you to make a real impact. This contract offers a competitive day rate, strong senior visibility and an opportunity to shape a high profile transformation at a moment when your expertise will make a measurable difference. You’ll be working with an ambitious leadership team and a programme with clear direction, offering an excellent platform for extension beyond the initial 6 month term and the chance to deliver work that will have lasting influence.
Project Manager (Public Sector experience required) in Reading employer: hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
Contact Detail:
hays-gcj-v4-pd-online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Public Sector experience required) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the lookout for Project Manager roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the organisation's recent projects and challenges. Show them you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Project Manager gig! We’re all about connecting talented folks with amazing opportunities, so don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your skills directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Public Sector experience required) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your public sector experience and any relevant transformation projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work. We appreciate clarity and results-driven narratives!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen and ready to take the next step in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at hays-gcj-v4-pd-online
✨Know Your Public Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector organisations and their unique challenges. Familiarise yourself with recent changes in local authorities or government departments, as this will show your understanding of the landscape and your ability to navigate it.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed large-scale transformation projects. Highlight your planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement skills, and be ready to discuss how you maintained focus under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you've influenced senior leaders in previous roles. Be prepared to share stories that illustrate your ability to build trust and provide insight during complex discussions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the organisation's transformation programme. Inquire about their strategic objectives and how they measure success, which will show that you're genuinely invested in making a difference.