At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transport projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to improve regional infrastructure.
- Company: Join the Mayoral Combined Authority, shaping the future of West Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a modern workspace just minutes from Leeds Train Station.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport improvements while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Project Officer
£41,747 per annum - Grade 7
Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Fixed term until March 2029
Closing date – 2 August at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.
We are seeking a talented and committed Project Officer to join the Culture, Heritage and Sport team on a fixed term basis. This will be an opportunity to develop experience and impact in the creative industries, a priority sector, as well as supporting the wider work of the team. As Project Officer, you will play a key role supporting activity through policy, investment, and convening and championing, including a suite of creative industries support and skills training initiatives to improve the resilience and diversity of the sector. This includes a key focus on the creative industries, with priority sectors fashion & textiles, games, immersive live experience, music, and screen.
Our new Project Officer will also contribute to the delivery of key regional strategies, including the West Yorkshire Plan, Mayoral Pledges, the Local Growth Plan, and the Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan. As powers and responsibilities continue to be devolved, the role will support efforts to target resources effectively and deliver strategic, collaborative interventions to further develop the region’s culture, heritage, sport and creative industries sectors as well as supporting engagement with the Mayoral office.
The role also involves working closely with colleagues across the Inclusive Economy Directorate, particularly within Education and Skills and Business, as well as with wider Combined Authority teams including Research and Intelligence, Place, Marcomms, and the Mayoral Office. This includes engaging with a wide range of external partners, including the five West Yorkshire Local Authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield), Arm’s Length Bodies, such as Arts Council England and Sport England, Government departments, sector organisations, and local communities, and maintaining strong working relationships with the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you –Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
- Project, contract and relationships management, leading on multiple projects and contracts and managing delivery partners, including being a proactive and positive relationship manager and builder internally and externally with stakeholders including local, regional, and central government, Creative Industries Cluster Action Plan Group and priority sectors, Arts Council England, White Rose partners, The Great North partners, and the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
- Active engagement with Combined Authority colleagues across teams to enable timely and resource-efficient progress through processes including, where appropriate, assurance, contracts, and legals, including closely working with Policy and Delivery colleagues to ensure programmes in development and delivery meet our objectives.
- Proactive participation in internal and external meetings and consultations including coordination and convening as well as representation at events, as well as contribution to support of the Mayoral office including preparation of briefings, speeches, and research.
Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
- Strong ability to work collaboratively across multiple internal and external teams, while also using initiative to work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical and written skills, with experience of assurance and public-sector processes or transferable expertise.
- Proven experience building and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrable background and network within the creative industries, alongside a strong interest in West Yorkshire’s creative sector priorities.
- Good understanding of local, regional and national policy across creative industries, culture, heritage and sport, including the role of the LVEP and partnership working between the Combined Authority and Local Authorities.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.
We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes.
We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met
Project Officer in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in sustainable transport within the vibrant city of Leeds. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance.
Contact Details:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the transport infrastructure field, especially those connected to the Combined Authority. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent projects the team has worked on. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the impact of these projects on the community. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Project Officer and how your experience fits into that. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, highlight your experience that aligns with the role. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully managed projects or worked with stakeholders. We want to see how you can bring your skills to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points where necessary to break down your skills and experiences. This makes it easier for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific transport infrastructure projects mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the new and upgraded bus and rail stations, like the Elland Rail Station. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how your experience aligns with their current initiatives.
✨Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves working with a variety of stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with different groups in past projects. Think about times when you had to tailor your communication style to suit different audiences, as this will demonstrate your adaptability and effectiveness.
✨Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your project management experience in detail. Highlight any specific methodologies you’ve used, such as Agile or PRINCE2, and how they helped you deliver successful outcomes. This will reassure them that you have the organisational skills needed for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team’s current projects or future plans for the Combined Authority. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
