At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting community projects that make a real difference in Shepton Mallet.
- Company: Join the progressive Shepton Mallet Town Council and shape the future of your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to influence community improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that enhance local facilities and services.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36681 - 40444 £ per year.
Shepton Mallet Town Council is seeking an ambitious, organised and enthusiastic Project Officer to help deliver an exciting programme of projects that will have a lasting impact on our community. This is a unique opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking Town Council at a time of significant opportunity and change. Working with councillors, staff, residents, community organisations, businesses and public sector partners, you will play a key role in turning ideas into reality and supporting the delivery of the Council's strategic priorities.
From community infrastructure and regeneration initiatives to environmental improvements, youth provision and transport projects, you will help ensure that projects are planned effectively, delivered successfully and achieve meaningful outcomes for local people. If you are passionate about community improvement, enjoy building relationships and have a proven track record of delivering projects, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Officer and working closely with councillors, committees and external partners, the Project Officer will develop, coordinate and deliver a diverse portfolio of projects aligned with the Council's strategic objectives and Town Plan. You will be responsible for managing projects from concept through to completion, ensuring appropriate governance, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight and performance monitoring throughout. This role requires a highly motivated individual who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and who is comfortable working across multiple projects simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Development and Delivery
- Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of Town Council projects and initiatives.
- Develop project plans, budgets, timelines, risk registers and monitoring frameworks.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed objectives.
- Prepare business cases, feasibility studies and project proposals.
- Monitor progress and identify solutions to emerging challenges.
- Funding and Investment
- Identify opportunities for external funding, grants and investment.
- Support or lead the preparation of funding applications and supporting documentation.
- Monitor grant-funded projects and ensure compliance with reporting and funding requirements.
- Build productive relationships with funding bodies and partner organisations.
- Partnership Working
- Develop effective working relationships with residents, community groups, businesses, statutory agencies and other stakeholders.
- Represent the Council at meetings, working groups and partnership forums where appropriate.
- Facilitate consultation and engagement activities to ensure projects reflect community needs and aspirations.
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Prepare reports, presentations and updates for Council meetings and committees.
- Maintain accurate project records and documentation.
- Develop and monitor project performance measures and outcomes.
- Provide regular progress reports to senior officers and councillors.
- Strategic Support
- Support delivery of the Council's strategic priorities and Town Plan.
- Research best practice, opportunities and emerging policy developments relevant to council projects.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives that benefit the community and enhance local services.
Current Areas of Focus
The successful candidate may be involved in projects relating to:
- Capital Investment - New Town Hall
- Town centre regeneration
- Community facilities and public spaces
- Youth provision and engagement
- Active travel and transport initiatives
- Environmental sustainability and climate action
- Community wellbeing projects
- Cultural and heritage initiatives
- Grant-funded community programmes
- Strategic partnerships and local investment opportunities
Project priorities will evolve over time in response to Council objectives and community needs.
About You
You will be a motivated and creative individual with excellent organisational and communication skills and a proven ability to manage projects effectively.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum three years' experience managing projects within local government, the public sector, voluntary sector, regeneration, housing, community development or a similar environment.
- Experience of coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience of managing budgets and project resources.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-working skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare reports and present information clearly.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.
- Full UK driving licence or ability to travel as required.
Desirable Requirements
- Project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM, Agile or equivalent).
- Experience of grant funding applications and funded project delivery.
- Knowledge of local government governance and decision-making processes.
- Experience of community consultation and engagement.
- Experience using project management software such as MS Project.
- Understanding of local government and the role of town and parish councils.
What We Offer
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- The opportunity to deliver visible and meaningful improvements for the community.
- The chance to play a key role in shaping the future of Shepton Mallet.
Why Work for Shepton Mallet Town Council?
Shepton Mallet is one of Somerset's most historic market towns and is entering an exciting period of investment and development. The Town Council has ambitious plans to improve local facilities, strengthen community services and support initiatives that improve quality of life for residents. This role offers a rare opportunity to work on projects that make a genuine difference to the community while helping shape the future direction of the town.
Closing Date: 6 December, 2026
Interview Date: 13 December 2026
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Christina Edgar Hiatt, Shepton Mallet Town Council.
Project Officer in Shepton Mallet employer: Shepton Mallet Town Council
Shepton Mallet Town Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and environmental stewardship. Employees benefit from opportunities for personal growth through hands-on experience in grounds maintenance while contributing to the beautification of local parks and public spaces. Working in Shepton Mallet not only allows you to make a tangible impact on your community but also provides a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
Contact Details:
Shepton Mallet Town Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer in Shepton Mallet
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer in Shepton Mallet
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 Shepton Mallet Town Council 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 Shepton Mallet Town Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Shepton Mallet Town Council, 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 Shepton Mallet Town Council.
