At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project governance and drive strategic initiatives for West Midlands Fire Service.
- Company: Join the second largest fire and rescue service in England, dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free gym access, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 46000 £ per year.
West Midlands Fire Service, Project Support (Internal title: Strategic Planning Officer) (Maternity Cover)
Professional 2A
Salary: £44075 - £46142
Hours: Full Time
Overview
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.
Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.
This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.
Do you thrive on turning strategy into action? Are you motivated by helping complex organisations deliver measurable outcomes and continuous improvement? West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Strategic Planning Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Performance team.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain robust project governance processes, including planning, milestones, scope definition, financial controls, and change management
- Provide guidance, tools, and assurance to senior officers and project teams to drive consistency and efficiency in project delivery
- Monitor and report on programme benefits, demonstrating measurable impact and alignment with strategic goals
- Support integration of project and risk management across the organisation, maintaining oversight of corporate risk registers
- Build strong relationships with leaders and teams to promote collaboration, innovation, and best practice in strategic project delivery
- Contribute to the design, development, and enhancement of WMFS project management systems and methodologies
- Stay informed of emerging trends and tools in programme and portfolio management, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
- Support wider Strategy team initiatives to ensure corporate objectives are delivered effectively.
Experience And Skills
We are looking for someone with:
- A strong understanding of project and programme management principles and processes
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
- Experience in project governance, benefits realisation, and risk management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Planner, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to build relationships across teams and drive continuous improvement.
Essential Skills Or Experience
- Qualification and/or significant experience in project or programme management
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in line with organisational goals.
Desirable Skills Or Experience
- Membership of a professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM)
- Experience influencing senior executives and aligning projects with broader business change
- Passion for continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery.
Special Requirements
Occasional travel to other WMFS sites may be required
There may be occasional requirements to work outside normal office hours to support organisational priorities.
Benefits
We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
- Flexible and agile working arrangements
- Free, on-site gym facilities
- Free, on-site parking.
We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
In addition, employees have access to:
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing programmes
- ‘Blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes
- Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.
Diversity
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.
WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.
Please be aware that priority will be given to members of staff on our redeployment list.
Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.
Project Support in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Fire Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the community. With flexible working arrangements, access to comprehensive health and wellbeing resources, and a commitment to professional development, WMFS fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Join us in our mission to make the West Midlands safer, stronger, and healthier, while enjoying unique benefits such as free gym facilities and 'Blue light' discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support in Birmingham
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
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 Support in Birmingham
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 WMJobs 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 WMJobs
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with WMJobs, 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 WMJobs.
