Programme Management Lead – BSIP Delivery Plan
Fixed Term, 18 months | Full Time, 37 hours per week | £45,026 to £52,971 per annum | Location: Chelmsford | Working Style: Anywhere worker | Closing Date: 30th November 2025
Interviews expected early December 2025
Join the Integrated Passenger Transport Unit (IPTU), an innovative team driving transformative change in public transport across Essex. The programme delivers a multi‑million‑pound Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to enhance connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility. We pioneer zero‑emission bus pilots, upgrade routes, improve ticketing, and engage communities to shape services that meet their needs.
The Role
The Programme Management Lead will lead the £24.4 m Bus Service Improvement Delivery Plan. Reporting to the Head of IPTU, you will manage a diverse programme from zero‑emission bus projects to infrastructure delivery, ensuring timely, cost‑effective delivery aligned with strategic objectives. You will set up programme structure, support governance, manage risks, and provide assurance to the Senior Responsible Officer.
Accountabilities
* Set up and manage the £24.4 m BSIP programme, supporting delivery of large‑scale projects.
* Manage day‑to‑day programme operations, including secretariat for the Senior Officer Monitoring Board and Operational Delivery Board.
* Track and report programme spend to the appropriate board and to the Department for Transport.
* Escalate risks, resources, and mitigation plans identified by the Operational Delivery Board.
* Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement and other senior officers to ensure accurate updates and cross‑department alignment.
* Hold weekly operational programme meetings, monthly BSIP Delivery Monitoring Board meetings, and quarterly DfT reporting returns.
* Develop and monitor robust plans and processes, engage specialist expertise, and prioritise resource requirements.
* Highlight risks and issues, and propose mitigation and escalation as appropriate.
* Annual performance targets and objectives are defined within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Degree level education or equivalent by experience.
* Continuing professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant professional area.
* Proven experience in complex organisations, aligning differing priorities across multiple stakeholders.
* Strong leadership and collaboration skills, fostering effective teamworking and building productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Diplomacy and professionalism in navigating sensitive or challenging issues with strong brokering and influencing skills.
* Experience of coordinating or supporting programme governance, including risk and issue management, reporting, and assurance processes.
* Work across organisational boundaries and with external partners, including councillors, government departments, transport operators, and community groups.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, producing clear reports, briefings, and updates for senior audiences.
* Digital tool proficiency to support programme delivery, including project tracking, reporting, and collaboration platforms.
* Experience working with Councillors, bus operators, community groups, bus user groups and the general public.
Why Essex?
Essex offers a stimulating public service environment with flexible working options, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to transformational change. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and we invite all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements to apply. We also welcome veterans and care leavers.
Employment Information
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Project Management and Information Technology | Industries: Government Administration
EEO Statement
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We value integrity and ethical behaviour; we kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Contact
For further information or queries, email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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