Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to join our team on a full time and 18-month fixed-term contract, working on the transformative Better Queensway regeneration project. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious urban regeneration programmes in the region, aimed at delivering new homes, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public spaces for the local community.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving project delivery, coordinating stakeholders, preparing reports, leading workstreams, and ensuring milestones are met within agreed timescales. We’re looking for someone with strong communication and organisational skills, ideally with experience in managing complex regeneration, housing, or infrastructure projects (although this is not mandatory). You’ll work closely with internal teams, external partners, and the local community to ensure the Queensway project reflects the aspirations of Southend’s residents and contributes to the city’s long-term growth. If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities- Support delivery of outcomes for the Better Queensway Programme and act as deputy for the Programme Manager.
- Lead process management, monitor progress, and manage risks, outcomes, and benefits.
- Embed and ensure compliance with PRINCE2 methodologies for risk, budget, governance, and change control.
- Supervise preparation and checking of project documents; maintain audit-ready records.
- Set up and review processes following good practice and PRINCE2 standards.
- Prepare and produce detailed reports for various audiences.
- Analyse and recommend improvements; provide verbal and written updates on changes.
- Plan and undertake stakeholder consultations in a compliant and timely manner.
- Anticipate and manage internal/external communications in conjunction with the Media and Communications lead.
- Provide practical support and expert advice to staff and the wider project team.
What you\'ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will bring strong project management skills with experience in PRINCE2 methodology, excellent organisational and communication abilities, and the ability to manage complex processes while maintaining progress within defined parameters. Experience in regeneration, housing, or infrastructure projects is desirable but not essential. Strong analytical and reporting skills with attention to detail, combined with the ability to manage stakeholder engagement and team capacity effectively, will be key to success in this role.
You should have robust and demonstrable experience in project management, supported by an excellent understanding and practical application of project management principles.
It is crucial that you have strong interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships at all levels. You will need to work strategically and operationally within and across teams, ensuring collaboration and alignment with project objectives.
The post holder must be mobile and able to move around the Borough as required. In addition, there will be a need to attend occasional evening meetings to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Project Management qualification would be highly advantageous but not essential.What you\'ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the \"Why Work For Us?\" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click \'apply online\' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
Project Manager (Better Queensway) in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong focus on community impact and collaboration. Employees benefit from flexible working practices, extensive training and development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to significant regeneration projects like Better Queensway, all within a supportive and innovative work culture. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Southend's residents while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Better Queensway) in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 South End City Council, 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 South End City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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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 Project Manager (Better Queensway) in Southend-on-Sea
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 South End City 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 South End City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South End City 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 South End City Council.
