At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PMO governance forums and ensure effective project delivery.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to community regeneration and work/life balance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong governance knowledge and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
Who we are & what we stand for: Gateshead Council is committed to helping Gateshead thrive. We’re looking for people who share a forward-thinking approach, value a good work/life balance, and want to contribute to an ambitious regeneration agenda. We offer flexi-time, hybrid working where possible, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Role context: A critical role at the centre of project and programme delivery. The EIG Group PMO sits at the centre of governance, assurance and delivery across a complex portfolio of regeneration and major projects. The team works with senior leaders, project professionals and multidisciplinary specialists to ensure robust governance, transparent decision-making and effective programme oversight. The PMO provides coordination, assurance and control to ensure programmes are well-managed, risks are understood and decisions are documented and auditable.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the professional Secretariat lead for PMO governance forums, supporting senior officers in complex, technical and commercially sensitive environments.
- Prepare and coordinate governance activity, including agenda setting, meeting packs, forward plans and commissioning of papers.
- Capture, interpret and distil complex discussions into clear, accurate and impartial minutes that reflect decisions, rationale, risks and dependencies.
- Use digital transcription and AI-enabled tools to support efficient minute-taking, ensuring outputs are quality-checked, contextualised and compliant.
- Maintain robust action and decision logs, ensuring accountability, follow-through and mitigation of governance or delivery risks.
- Ensure governance records are managed in line with FOI, data protection and information governance requirements, producing defensible and auditable documentation.
- Apply judgement to determine what must be formally recorded for legal, commercial, assurance and risk purposes.
- Liaise with senior officers and stakeholders to clarify complex points and ensure accurate representation of intent and outcomes.
- Provide wider PMO coordination and support, contributing to continuous improvement and broader programme assurance activity.
What you will bring:
- Strong understanding of governance frameworks, decision-making processes and the Secretariat role within project, programme and portfolio environments.
- Proven ability to capture and accurately summarise complex, technical or commercially sensitive discussions into clear, decision-focused records.
- Experience supporting governance forums, boards or committees, including coordination of agendas, papers and forward plans.
- Knowledge of FOI, information governance, confidentiality and data protection, with the ability to produce compliant, auditable documentation.
- Experience maintaining action and decision logs and supporting assurance through structured governance processes.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments.
- Confident use of digital and AI-supported tools, combined with sound judgement, professionalism and excellent written communication skills.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future; Local Government Pension benefits are available.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: Flexible and hybrid working options to suit you.
- Learning & Development: Access training, development and progression opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Includes access to gym memberships and mental health resources.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient scheme to save money and stay active.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Discounts on shopping, travel and services via our employee benefits platform, with salary sacrifice options (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you: We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to create a culture where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
How to apply: You can apply online using the apply now button below. You’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. Be as detailed and specific as possible, focusing on relevant aspects of the role. If you have questions, contact our recruitment team via email. Please note: as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, though some cases may require prioritisation. The Council may close the vacancy early or adjust shortlisting criteria to ensure a fair recruitment process. Early applications are encouraged.
PMO Secretariat in Gateshead employer: North East Ambition
Centurion Multi-Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a competitive salary and a commitment to operational excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of pupils and the wider community. Located in a supportive environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Secretariat in Gateshead
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like North East Ambition, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like North East Ambition and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Secretariat in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for North East Ambition and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with North East Ambition, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for North East Ambition.
