At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Programme Management Office to deliver transformation and improve project management across the Council.
- Company: Shrewsbury Council, committed to community improvement and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible remote work, and a chance to shape local governance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong leadership abilities.
Daily rate: £600 - £650 per day umbrella
Location: Part remote expectation is ideally 1-2 days in the office at Guildhall, Shrewsbury but this is negotiable.
Contract: 6 months with review for extension
Working hours: Monday-Friday 9 to 5
Opus People Solutions are recruiting on behalf of Shrewsbury Council for a Programme Management Officer (PMO) to deliver the Councils Improvement Plan and Transformation Programme while implementing consistency and best practice to how they manage programmes and projects across the Council. Immediate priority and focus will be on leading the implementation of a new structure and developing the roles and approaches associated with that.
Purpose of the Role: The postholder will lead a Community of Professional Practice to bring together those with skills and expertise to prioritise resources, ensure effective governance, and raise awareness of council-wide project and programme delivery. The postholder will be required to develop effective whole system working and relationships with both internal and external partners as well as wider stakeholders, to monitor and leverage interdependencies, co-create shared outcomes, while monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of programme outcomes.
Responsibilities will include:
- Lead and shape the Programme Management Office (PMO) to create a centre of excellence that will devise and deliver the transformation programme and overarching programme plan, while supporting and monitoring wider project management activity.
- Manage the PMO human resource, both by direct line management and through a matrix management model, in line with Council policies and procedures, ensuring they are supported to work at high-standards, and be exemplars in demonstrating the behaviours and values expected.
- Develop and embed the Project Management Framework including methods, tools and templates to ensure projects and programmes being managed are delivered in accordance with these standards.
- Oversee and be accountable for the management of risks and issues emerging from projects and programmes, and effectively escalating these as required to the relevant managers, leaders, or teams.
- Lead the continuous improvement of project and programme management practices and standards, through the development of key skills and capabilities, ensuring they meet organisational needs.
- Introduce digitisation and automation to reduce administrative requirements, while supporting the development of dashboards and other tools to raise awareness and transparency of projects and programmes along with their outcomes.
- Take a strategic or ‘balcony view’ across all projects and programmes to identify and address interdependencies, remove duplication, and align all activity to the strategic objectives of the Council in support of the Shropshire Plan.
- Develop strong relationships with key enabling services to ensure that adequate resources can be identified and ‘woven together’ as required, in a planned and supportive way, to ensure the timely delivery of projects and programmes.
- Act as a trusted advisor and offer a consulting service to identify opportunities, supporting the development of projects and programmes, and overseeing a ‘gateway process’ to prioritise activity and maintain a pipeline of ongoing continuous improvement and transformation that is adequately resourced.
- Working with internal colleagues and project or programme sponsors, to oversee a schedule of ‘health checks’ and ‘deep dive reviews’ to ensure projects and programmes are conforming to corporate standards and delivering against their agreed scope and plans, sharing lessons learned and adapting tools and approaches to address them.
- Manage the PMO budget, while working with project and programme sponsors, as well as colleagues in finance, to maintain oversight of project and programme budgets to ensure these are monitored and reported on as outlined within the agreed framework and standards.
- Oversee or manage commissioning, procurement, and contracting arrangements required to deliver the outcomes required of the PMO or the projects and programmes it manages.
- Work strategically as part of the OCE leadership and closely with other OCE leads to help be the best we can in enable the success of the organisation and to deliver The Shropshire Plan.
For more information or to process your application, please apply now!
Programme Management Officer in Shrewsbury employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Shrewsbury Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to best practices in programme management, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. The supportive culture encourages continuous improvement and provides resources for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Management Officer in Shrewsbury
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We think you need these skills to ace Programme Management Officer in Shrewsbury
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 Opus People Solutions Ltd 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 Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd will want to see.
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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 Opus People Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd. 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.
