About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Programme Manager to join our Economy Team. The Economy Team supports the economic development of North Somerset, helping to ensure it is an attractive place to live, work and visit. We achieve this by developing and delivering projects and programmes that stimulate investment, business growth and job creation. Alongside this, we support residents by improving access to skills that strengthen business resilience and productivity, and by enabling people to progress in work and access employment opportunities.
In this role, you will provide Programme Management support for the Epic Economic Investment Programme. The Epic economic Investment Programme is a ~£2m pot of funding secured to deliver a package of activities designed to maximise local economic impact associated with the Epic campus development in Long Ashton.
The Programme Manager will support NSC in meeting its responsibilities for delivering these activities. Working under the direction of the three Economic Development Managers (EDMs), the postholder will support consistent programme and project management practice, act as the PMO link between the central programme and project managers, coordinate procurement and compliance activities, support stakeholder engagement, and assist senior leaders and elected members through timely provision of information and briefings.
Roles at this level are expected to work unsupervised for much of the time, accessing and assessing information independently. However, priorities and direction for this role will be set by the EDMs, whose work in turn is directed by the Head of Economy.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with and take direction from the Economic Development Managers (EDMs) to coordinate delivery of the Epic Economic Investment Programme.
* Matrix‑manage specialists across the council (finance, communications, procurement, legal, IT) to support Project Managers in delivering programme activities in line with council governance and procedures.
* Support the PMO function and act as the link between the central programme and project managers, helping projects to deliver on time, to budget, and against required targets.
* Support the relationship with the Epic Economic Investment Advisory Group, preparing performance reports, information, and updates as required.
* Prepare specifications and tender documents, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
* Ensure that project management functions are delivered in accordance with the council’s project management framework, Contract Standing Orders, environmental and safety standards, and contractual arrangements.
* Act as a daily point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, resolving routine queries and escalating issues to the EDMs as needed.
* Support the EDMs and Head of Economy in preparing briefings and updates for senior management and elected members.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
* 2-3 days in the office
* Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
* Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about economic development, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
* Level 4 qualification or equivalent.
* Experience supporting and coordinating complex economic development or regeneration projects.
* Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex information to a range of stakeholders, including senior officers and elected members.
* Experience applying project delivery methodologies and contributing to solutions for complex programmes.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage own workload and support others through matrix working.
* Understanding of project management processes, legislation, procurement, and contract management.
* Experience monitoring budgets and following financial procedures.
* Ability to work effectively with partners across public, private and community sectors.
* Understanding of professional boundaries and working within a governance framework.
Desirable Criteria
* Project Management Training
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* Local Government Pension
* Opportunities for professional development
* Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
* Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
* Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
* Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
Interview Date
week commencing Monday 22 June 2026
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Jane Harrison, Head of Economy, jane.harrison@n-somerset.gov.uk or Julia Stuckey – Economic Development Manager – Business and Commercial Investment, 07385 957325.
#J-18808-Ljbffr