Senior Project Manager in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council is a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke‑on Trent City Council is more than just a job; it’s about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city.

The Transformation & Programme Management Team are responsible for the council’s Transformation Programme which includes programme management and continuous improvement activities for the council, including a comprehensive programme of business analysis activity which supports the identification of more efficient and effective ways of working, leading to both financial efficiencies and service improvements. The team direct and deliver governance arrangements required for successful programme delivery, including the corporate Transformation Board.

We’re looking for a dynamic Senior Project Manager to drive some of the Council’s most significant and complex transformation programmes. In this pivotal role, you’ll define, plan and deliver cross cutting programmes aligned to our strategic priorities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, act as a trusted adviser, and influence decisions that shape the future of the organisation. You’ll lead integrated planning across multiple projects, oversee budgets of up to £2m, manage risks and dependencies and ensure that our programmes deliver meaningful, measurable benefits.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in leading large scale transformation programmes, ideally in local government;
• Strong strategic thinking, problem solving and stakeholder management skills;
• Proven success in managing complex budgets, governance and multi-disciplinary project delivery;
• Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP or Agile, and advanced MS365 capability;
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational landscapes.

In return, you’ll join a supportive, forward‑thinking team at the heart of organisational change, with opportunities to innovate, lead and make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver major transformation programmes aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, ensuring they achieve measurable benefits for the organisation and communities.
• Establish and manage robust governance, risk, and decision‑making frameworks across programmes and interdependent projects.
• Oversee integrated planning, managing milestones, interdependencies, resources and budgets (including capital and revenue) to ensure successful programme delivery.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, influencing strategy and providing clear, persuasive communication on progress, risks and benefits.
• Build strong relationships and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders, elected members, suppliers and partners to secure buy‑in and resolve conflicts.
• Drive continuous improvement, ensuring lessons learned, performance monitoring, compliance with organisational standards and best practice programme management methodologies.

About You

• Significant experience leading large scale, complex change programmes, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
• Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, Agile or equivalent, alongside a relevant degree or equivalent professional training.
• Proven ability to manage multiple interdependent projects, delivering measurable outcomes while navigating ambiguity and complexity.
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, and external partners.
• Demonstrable experience managing substantial budgets (£1m+) and allocating resources effectively across programmes and portfolios.
• Advanced proficiency in programme management tools and Microsoft 365, coupled with strong analytical, problem‑solving and leadership capabilities.

What we offer

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here.

For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Jo Ray, PMO Team Manager.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Right to Work in the UK
• Proof of address
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.