Overview
Development Manager - (Education Project Sponsor) – Fixed Term (18 months), Full Time. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker. Salary: £46,501 to £54,707 per annum. Closing Date: 29 September 2025.
Hybrid-working: this role is hybrid, with a requirement to work at a functional work location across Essex 2–3 days per week on average, depending on business need.
About the role
The Capital Investment and Infrastructure Delivery team will develop and deliver the capital programme for Essex County Council. The team focuses on developing opportunities for capital investment to secure financial returns to support the Council’s strategic priorities. This role is responsible for the overall strategy, direction, coordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of specific projects within budget and to strict deadlines, ensuring alignment with business strategy, commitments and goals. The role requires professional accreditation or a deep understanding of project management methodologies with the ability to demonstrate delivery of projects/programmes. Experience in developing and maintaining project plans, setting milestones and managing resources to meet deadlines is expected.
Accountabilities
* Contribute to the development of strategies and plans to effectively manage stakeholder expectations, ensuring successful delivery of quality project outcomes within agreed constraints in support of function Business Plans.
* Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to define and agree project scope, critical success factors and deliverables in support of wider strategic goals.
* Develop and deliver project control documentation and agree reporting requirements with the client, ensuring currency and compliance for audits.
* Develop strategies to manage progress of the project plan, identify risks and changes in scope, devise contingency plans and escalate as necessary.
* Deliver progress reports to the Portfolio Manager/Business Owner/Project Board, advising if tolerances are exceeded and presenting options and challenges as required.
* Manage and monitor the project budget, identify opportunities for efficiency savings and value-for-money benefits, and produce forecasts and reports.
* Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver work streams and projects to agreed quality criteria; quality assure standards and challenge as required.
* Contribute to revision/updating of project governance and management processes to reflect industry best practice and adherence to Council policies; stay aware of new methodologies and tools.
* Agree annual targets and objectives within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent by experience; evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in the relevant area.
* Professional accreditation or strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Prince2) or demonstrable experience delivering projects/programmes.
* Knowledge of Change Management theories and practical application.
* Experience in developing and maintaining an agreed project plan with milestones and deployment of resources to meet milestones.
* Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships to enable collaboration and delivery.
* Experience delivering organizational change in a complex environment.
* Mobility requirements: driving licence and access to a vehicle, or alternative means to meet mobility needs.
Note: The job role requires mobility throughout an operational area; alternative arrangements acceptable if able to meet mobility requirements.
Additional information
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under our Job Interview Scheme if reasonable adjustments are required. We are also committed to interviewing all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We offer flexible working arrangements and other employee benefits. If DBS checks are required for the role, you may need to register with the DBS update service; information is available from GOV.UK.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you would like to be kept up to date on other opportunities, join The Essex Talent Community. For queries, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk. Follow us on social media or view more details on our careers page.
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