At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transformative projects in the criminal justice system and ensure effective collaboration.
- Company: Leading change consultancy focused on impactful government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional growth, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Temporary contract with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful change and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
As the world's leading change and transformation consultancy, we're helping businesses move from strategy to reality by taking a pragmatic and practical approach to build solutions that last. We're seeking a Project Support Officer to help us take vision to value and create lasting impact for our government client.
Please note this is an initial 3-6 month PAYE Umbrella contract that will require onsite working in London 2-3 days per week.
SUMMARY
As a Project Support Officer, you will play a critical role in establishing and managing a significant Courts Reform Delivery Project. This position will provide the essential programme structure, governance, and coordination needed to drive delivery of reform recommendations across a complex, multi-agency environment. You will be instrumental in ensuring effective collaboration between the various agencies, ultimately delivering transformative change across the criminal justice system.
YOU WILL:
- Establish project governance arrangements and oversee programme structure to ensure clear decision-making and accountability
- Coordinate stakeholders across multiple organisations, facilitating consensus-building and senior-level engagement
- Develop and operate oversight and assurance mechanisms to monitor programme progress and effectiveness
- Manage dependencies across workstreams and organisations, ensuring alignment and smooth handoffs between delivery phases
- Create and maintain delivery plans as recommendations progress from policy development into operational implementation
- Support dependency management, reporting, data analysis, and benefits tracking throughout the programme lifecycle
- Lead stakeholder engagement activities to ensure effective communication and buy-in across the complex multi-agency environment
- Develop forward plans, delivery roadmaps, and milestone tracking to maintain project momentum
- Analyse programme data and produce performance reporting to support evidence-based decision-making
- Manage transition planning from policy to operational delivery
IDEALLY, WE'D LIKE:
- Proven experience establishing and leading complex transformation programmes, including mobilisation, planning, and delivery management
- Eligible for enhanced DBS check (rehabilitation of offenders act exempt due to nature of role)
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and operating governance structures, assurance processes, and programme oversight mechanisms
- Strong facilitation and engagement skills with the ability to manage senior stakeholders across multiple organisations
- Experience managing interdependencies across workstreams and organisations within complex delivery environments
- Background in strategic planning, pipeline management, and transition planning from policy to implementation
- Proficiency in data analysis and the development of performance reporting and insight
- Experience working within government, regulated environments, or public sector reform programmes, ideally in justice, policing, or criminal justice sectors
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
- Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus in complex organisational settings
- Strong organisational and project management abilities
Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom, without the need for visa sponsorship by North Highland. Work visa sponsorship will not be provided, either now or in the future, for this position.
This is a temporary employee (PAYE) opportunity working via an Umbrella company.
North Highland is an equal opportunity employer, and we adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We handle all information in accordance local privacy standards and maintain strict confidentiality.
Project Support Officer (PSO) employer: North Highland
North Highland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package including flexible time off and private medical plans, we empower our team to thrive while delivering impactful strategies in the Retail & Consumer Goods sector. Join us to be part of a supportive environment that values innovation and fosters strong client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer (PSO)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like North Highland. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at North Highland.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at North Highland.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer (PSO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at North Highland and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Highland
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like North Highland will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to North Highland.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at North Highland.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at North Highland. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
