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- Tasks: Lead the operational management of the Adult Skills Fund across Lancashire.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and strong learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with genuine responsibility and visibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on adult skills and community growth in Lancashire.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing publicly funded education or employment programmes.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary £46,142 - £51,356 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston
Shape the future of adult skills in Lancashire. This is a pivotal opportunity to play a central role in delivering one of Lancashire’s most important devolved programmes.
As Project Manager – Adult Skills Fund, you will be at the heart of Lancashire’s devolved skills system, taking day-to-day responsibility for the operational delivery of the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) across the county. You will ensure that public investment translates into real outcomes for learners, employers and communities, supporting adults to gain the skills they need to access work, progress in employment and respond to local labour market priorities.
Working within the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, this role sits at the crossroads of strategy and delivery. You will translate commissioning decisions and strategic priorities into strong, high-performing delivery on the ground, working closely with providers, partners and internal colleagues.
The Adult Skills Fund is a core component of Lancashire’s devolution deal and economic strategy, supporting delivery of the Lancashire Growth Plan, Strategic Skills Plan and wider place-based ambitions.
In this role, you will:
- take the lead on the day-to-day operational management of the Adult Skills Fund across Lancashire
- act as the primary operational contact for learning providers, managing performance, delivery and compliance
- oversee contracts and grant agreements to ensure providers deliver agreed learner volumes, outcomes and financial profiles
- lead regular performance reviews, identify risks early and drive corrective action where required
- manage data, assurance, audit and compliance activity to protect public funds and programme reputation
- produce clear, evidence-based reports to support senior decision-making and programme governance
This is a hands-on role that will appeal to someone who enjoys working at pace, solving problems, using data to drive decisions and building strong, accountable relationships with providers.
This role is critical to ensuring that devolved ASF:
- delivers measurable impact for learners and employers
- operates as a well-controlled, high-performing programme
- supports priority sectors and inclusive growth across Lancashire
- continuously improves through strong performance management and assurance
You will be trusted to make operational judgements, challenge constructively, and help shape how devolved skills funding is delivered in practice.
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- significant experience of managing publicly funded skills, education or employment provision
- proven experience of operational contract or grant management with external providers
- confidence in performance management, including addressing underperformance
- strong understanding of funding rules, audit and assurance frameworks
- the ability to analyse delivery and financial data and use insight to drive improvement
- the confidence to work autonomously while collaborating across teams and partners
You don’t necessarily need to come from a local authority background, what matters is your operational credibility, judgement and ability to manage complex delivery environments.
Closing Date: 17 May 2026 | Interview Date: 20-22 May 2026
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to work on a high-profile, devolved programme with real economic and social impact
- A role with genuine responsibility, influence and visibility
- A supportive, collaborative team environment within the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub
- Competitive salary, local government pension and a strong commitment to learning and development
- The chance to help shape the future of adult skills delivery in Lancashire
Please ensure you upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Project Manager | Adult Skills Fund in Burnley employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager | Adult Skills Fund in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially in relation to adult skills funding. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in managing publicly funded projects and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager | Adult Skills Fund in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing publicly funded programmes and operational delivery.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data management, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Mention any tools or methods you’ve used to drive performance improvements based on data insights.
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills: This position is all about collaboration, so emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with providers and partners. Share examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder expectations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Adult Skills Fund and its impact on learners and employers in Lancashire. Familiarise yourself with the key components of the programme, including the Lancashire Growth Plan and Strategic Skills Plan, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in managing publicly funded skills or education programmes. Highlight your operational contract management skills and any instances where you've successfully addressed underperformance or driven improvements through data analysis.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Since this role involves solving problems and making operational judgements, be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous positions. Think of scenarios where you identified risks early and implemented corrective actions, as this will show your proactive approach.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners by sharing experiences where you’ve built strong relationships. This will highlight your interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this role.