At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning and delivery of adult skills programmes across Lancashire.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Play a key role in helping residents develop skills and improve their employability.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience, with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
Salary £36,363 - £40,777 per annum | Permanent, Full time, 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston
We are looking for a motivated and detail‑focused Project Officer to support the planning, delivery, performance management, and assurance of publicly funded adult skills provision across Lancashire. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in programmes that help residents develop skills, progress in work, and meet the needs of local employers and priority sectors.
Working as part of a multi‑disciplinary programme team, you will manage relationships with funded providers, oversee performance and finance, and help ensure the effective and compliant use of public funds.
What You Will Do
- Support the operational delivery of Adult Skills programmes in line with national and local priorities.
- Manage day‑to‑day relationships with a portfolio of funded providers, acting as the first point of contact for operational, performance, and contractual matters.
- Monitor learner numbers, outcomes, quality measures, and financial performance against agreed delivery plans and milestones.
- Maintain accurate and auditable records covering performance, payments, risks, and improvement actions.
- Support provider onboarding, due diligence, contracting, safeguarding, and compliance with funding requirements.
- Validate provider claims and invoices, ensuring funding is used appropriately and in line with funding rules.
- Prepare and coordinate performance reports, data returns, and updates for internal governance and external funders.
What We Are Looking For
- A recognised Level 4 qualification (or equivalent experience), or graduate/technical background with relevant practical experience.
- Experience managing contracts, grants, or providers in line with performance, outcomes, and financial targets.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Good digital skills, including Microsoft Office (Teams, Excel, Outlook) and online platforms.
If you are passionate about skills, employability, and improving outcomes for Lancashire residents, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 01/03/2026
Why join us?
By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you have always wanted. In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
- A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service.
- You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
- Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
- Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. In certain circumstances consideration may be given to applicants who, as a consequence of a disability, are unable to drive.
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 Officer in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in supporting adult skills programmes. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience managing contracts and relationships, as these are key for the Project Officer role.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Project Officer role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and oversee performance, as these are key aspects of the job.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: Since this role involves managing multiple priorities, it’s essential to showcase your organisational skills. Mention any tools or methods you use to keep track of tasks and deadlines, and don’t forget to include examples of how you’ve successfully juggled various responsibilities in the past.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for this position, so be sure to emphasise your ability to build relationships and convey information clearly. Share instances where your communication skills have led to successful outcomes, especially in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application is processed smoothly. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Project Officer, especially around managing relationships with funded providers and overseeing performance. Brush up on relevant legislation and funding requirements so you can speak confidently about how you would handle these aspects.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts and achieve performance targets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Data
Since the role involves monitoring learner outcomes and financial performance, be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of reports you've prepared or how you've used digital tools like Excel to track performance metrics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges they face in adult skills provision or how they measure success in their programmes. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the position.