6 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Financial Improvement Project Manager – Executive will support the definition, planning, execution, and closure of multiple transformation projects across the Finance Improvement Programme. • The role is accountable for ensuring projects deliver outcomes aligned with the Corporate Plan, maintain governance and assurance standards, and achieve benefits realisation. • The post holder will lead cross-organisational teams, manage budgets, oversee risk and change management, and provide expert project management advice to senior stakeholders, including commissioners. • This is an interim executive role (Inside IR35) reporting to the Lead Programme Manager – Financial Improvement. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Plan, monitor, and execute multiple transformation projects across the Finance Improvement Programme. • Maintain programme plans, track interdependencies, critical paths, risks, and issue resolution. • Provide mentoring and guidance to project teams and peers in project management best practice. • Support recovery work to address underperforming areas and ensure corrective action. • Produce transparent reporting on project status, milestones, risks, and financials to senior leadership, Members, and external bodies. • Ensure all projects comply with statutory guidance, Best Value duty, and CIPFA standards. • Maintain audit trails and documentation to support governance, scrutiny, and assurance processes. • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to foster effective stakeholder relationships. • Support change management, staff engagement, and cultural alignment with programme goals. • Conduct project evaluations and lessons-learned reviews to drive continuous improvement. Skills/Experience: • Strong project management expertise (Prince2, APMP, P3O, MSP, or equivalent experience). • Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and commercial awareness in public sector context. • Experience leading complex projects, multi-disciplinary teams, and change initiatives. • Stakeholder engagement and political awareness; ability to work with senior management, Members, and commissioners. • Financial management, including project budget oversight and supplier engagement. • Risk, issue, and change management in a complex organisational environment. • Ability to maintain governance, assurance, and transparent reporting standards. • Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence and negotiate effectively. • Understanding of statutory, regulatory, and best practice requirements in local government. • Analytical and evidence-based decision-making, using KPIs, metrics, and performance data. Additional Information: • Bi-Weekly Payments. • Interim role: 40 hours/week, based at Observatory House, Slough. • Accountable for supporting Slough Borough Council’s Corporate and Recovery Plan (‘Doing Right by Slough’). The closing date: ASAP.