Project Manager in Edinburgh

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We are delighted that you are interested in working with us. You would be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council, you would be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity, and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we are confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Join our brand new Corporate Project Management Office (PMO) and help shape the future of project delivery across the Council! As a pioneering team, we are embedding consistent project and programme management practices, strengthening governance, and building capability through expert guidance, training, and tools. We provide clear project reporting for greater visibility, increase project management capacity for priority initiatives, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic new function at the heart of organisational change - where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact.

We are recruiting a Project Manager who will work across all Council services, supporting Strategic and Service Directors to deliver both service-level and corporate objectives aligned with Gateshead Council's Corporate Plan. You will have the opportunity to:

• Drive Council-wide Transformation and Improvement: Lead and support projects identified as corporate priorities, ensuring they drive innovation, efficiency, and measurable improvement across services. Project manage reviews and transformation projects to identify new, effective, and value-for-money ways of delivering services. Challenge existing processes, business models and approaches, especially in areas facing significant policy change, high cost or high demand.
• Shape Strategic Decision Making: Conduct corporate analysis and deep-dive evaluations using both qualitative and quantitative evidence to support informed, robust decision making. Provide proactive, professional advice to the Leadership Team to influence strategic direction and operational improvements. Support and advise Elected Members and senior officers on legislative changes, new policies and emerging programmes, ensuring the Council responds effectively and consistently with corporate priorities.
• Support Service Improvement and Change: Develop responses to complex corporate issues by working across services, partner organisations and external bodies. Contribute to the Council's wider approach to public service improvement, including strengthening performance management and frameworks for assessment and continuous improvement.
• Work Flexibly Across the Organisation: Provide support across all services and directorates as required, adapting to emerging priorities. Champion innovation and help embed a culture of creativity, problem-solving and doing the right thing for Gateshead's residents.

What you will bring:

• A recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP) or equivalent experience, with strong capability in project management tools, techniques and delivering successful transformation projects.
• Strong understanding of the local government landscape, including the legislative and policy framework, commissioning models, and the wider context affecting public service delivery.
• Proven experience delivering improvement and change projects, using recognised frameworks and creative problem-solving to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Ability to interpret complex information, data, trends and evidence to inform policy, strategy, and corporate decision-making.
• Experience of managing people in a project environment, including motivating and coordinating cross-service or multidisciplinary teams.
• Senior-level experience within the public sector or a similarly complex organisation, demonstrating confidence working with Directors, elected Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge constructively and present insight clearly to support effective decision making.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary £45,091 - £48,226.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
• Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year, giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: We care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services.

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace 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.

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you will be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible.