At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver complex programmes to enhance safety in Kent and Medway.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, discounts, health services, and free parking.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Project management qualification and experience in delivering complex programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Being a part of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, everyone is unique. Everyone has value. Everyone helps to make Kent Fire and Rescue Service a great place to work. We are one team. Together with our customers, we are creating a safer future for Kent and Medway.
Join Kent Fire and Rescue Service as a Programme Manager, where you will lead and successfully deliver complex programmes of work that support organisational strategic objectives, service improvement, and business transformation. The Programme Manager will be accountable for coordinating multiple related projects and workstreams to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes, benefits, and operational improvements in line with organisational governance and best practice for the Command-and-Control programme. The role is a 2-year fixed term contract funded by the Command-and-control programme working with Fire Control implementing a new command and control system called NEC Vision 5.
We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to support KFRS, to provide leadership across programme planning, governance, stakeholder engagement, resource management, risk management, business readiness, change adoption, and benefits realisation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and successful transition into business-as-usual operations.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and be accountable for the end-to-end delivery of programmes from mobilisation through to transition into operational service and post-implementation review.
- Lead and coordinate multiple related projects and workstreams, ensuring alignment with approved business cases, organisational strategy, and portfolio priorities.
- Establish and maintain effective programme governance arrangements, including programme plans, reporting structures, assurance activities, and decision-making processes.
- Provide leadership and direction to project managers and programme teams, ensuring effective coordination, prioritisation, and delivery of programme objectives.
- Manage programme-level risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies, and resource conflicts proactively, escalating through governance routes where appropriate.
- Lead stakeholder engagement across a wide range of internal and external parties, including senior leaders, operational managers, suppliers, partners, and relevant external bodies.
- Ensure robust programme planning and controls are in place, including integrated schedules, financial reporting, benefits tracking, business readiness, and change management.
- Support procurement and supplier management activities where required, including mobilisation, contract oversight, and performance management.
- Ensure programme delivery complies with organisational governance, assurance standards, and relevant policies and requirements.
Qualifications:
- A recognised programme OR project management qualification at practitioner level (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent).
- Agile or Hybrid Delivery Qualification (Desirable).
- Portfolio management qualification (Desirable).
- Construction related or Commercial Qualifications (Desirable).
- Experience of acting as the client in construction and infrastructure-related projects, including fit-outs, refurbishments, or estate-based works with responsibility for ensuring customer and organisational interests are protected and delivered.
- Knowledge of fleet management, including heavy fleet operations, asset considerations, and associated governance requirements (Desirable).
- Proven experience of successfully delivering complex programmes and strategic change initiatives.
- Experience of procurement, contract establishment, and ongoing supplier management.
- Experience of managing multiple projects and coordinating cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrable experience of programme governance, reporting, and benefits realisation.
- Experience of managing programme budgets, risks, issues, and dependencies.
About Disability Confident:
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal, and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
Benefits:
- Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Blue Light Card discount scheme supported by a number of high street retailers.
- A range of family friendly policies promoting work-life balance.
- Access to health and wellbeing services and advice.
- Free parking.
- Above all, you’ll become part of a service that is committed to the safety of our community.
Programme Manager in Maidstone employer: Kent Fire & Rescue Service
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that values the unique contributions of every individual, fostering a collaborative work culture dedicated to creating a safer future for Kent and Medway. As a Programme Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment with access to health and wellbeing services, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional growth, all while playing a vital role in delivering impactful programmes that enhance community safety. With automatic membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme and discounts through the Blue Light Card, working here means being part of a committed team that prioritises both employee welfare and public service.
Contact Details:
Kent Fire & Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Maidstone
✨Get in the Loop with Local Events
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Sign up for groups like the Fire Fighters Association or local emergency service networks. These can be invaluable for staying updated on temporary job openings, as many roles are often filled through word-of-mouth before they even hit job boards.
✨Show Your Commitment to Community Safety
Pull together a portfolio showcasing any volunteer work or courses you've done related to fire safety, first aid, or emergency response. This can really help you stand out during interviews as it shows your dedication goes beyond just wanting a job.
✨Apply Directly with Us at Kent Fire & Rescue Service
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We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Relevant Qualifications:Fire and emergency services are all about safety and quick thinking, so make sure your application highlights any relevant certifications! Include your first aid, CPR, or fire safety training on your CV, and don’t forget any past experiences in emergency situations. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role at Kent Fire & Rescue Service.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in fire-emergency services, emphasise any hands-on experience you’ve had, whether it's through volunteering with local fire departments or working on emergency response teams. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to work under pressure and react effectively in emergencies.
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions often require flexibility. In your cover letter, mention how you can quickly adapt to new situations and environments. Maybe you've had experience stepping into high-demand roles before or filled in for others in emergency services—let Kent Fire & Rescue Service know you can handle it!
Keep It Concise but Impactful:When it comes to temporary applications, being succinct is key. Keep your CV and cover letter focused on the most relevant information that aligns with the role at Kent Fire & Rescue Service. A well-structured layout, without unnecessary fluff, can make all the difference in grabbing attention!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Fire & Rescue Service
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
In fire and emergency services, it’s crucial to be familiar with relevant protocols and response strategies. Brush up on the different types of emergencies, standard operating procedures, and community resources you might need to utilise. This knowledge not only shows your preparedness but also your commitment to public safety.
✨Showcase Your Physical Fitness
For a temporary role in fire and emergency services, demonstrating your physical capabilities can really set you apart. Be ready to discuss your fitness routine and any relevant training you've had. If you have a portfolio of your certifications, like first aid or CPR, keep it handy—these can be game-changers!
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills
In this field, it’s all about working with a team and communicating effectively under pressure. Be prepared to talk about past experiences where you collaborated with others, especially in high-stress situations. Share examples that showcase your ability to lead or follow depending on the situation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interview to include scenario-based questions tailored to emergency situations. They might ask how you would respond in a specific crisis or what steps you’d take in a hazardous environment. Practise your responses to these scenarios to show that you're ready to think on your feet, even in a temporary capacity.
