Air Quality Project Manager
Fixed Term / Secondment (18 months), Full Time
£52,314 to £61,545 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 28th September 2025
*This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office expected to be 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.
This is a fixed term contract / secondment opportunity for a period of 18 months.
This role presents an unmatched opportunity to shape the direction of the Essex Air Quality Strategy and influence how organisations work together on this important issue which affects the health of everyone-
How can Councils best collaborate with each other and partner organisations?
Should our focus be on better understanding air quality across Essex, on education or on developing innovative ways to reduce pollution?
How can we leverage external funding opportunities and make the best use of available resources?
An experienced project manager is sought to lead efforts across Essex to improve the quality of the air that we breathe. Specifically, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Essex Air Quality Strategy, which has been developed jointly by Councils from across Essex and our partners including the NHS, Police and Fire & Rescue Service, and Essex-based universities. This is a unique opportunity to work with and across a wide range of organisations to deliver an ambitious strategy that through positive action aims to change lives for the better.
The Essex Air Quality Strategy has been produced over the past two years and was consulted on earlier this year. The strategy has been well received and sets out various actions to build on the activity that is already underway to improve air quality. It is a great example of organisations working together to achieve a common goal. The postholder will be a skilled and proactive individual, building on the good work that has been completed to date and ensure these efforts result in meaningful differences to those living and working in Essex.
The role presents an unmatched opportunity to shape the direction of the strategy and influence how organisations work together on this important issue which affects the health of everyone.
The postholder will be a problem solver with the ability to think strategically, with a proven ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of audiences. The ability to build strong collaborative partnerships across the Council and with external partners is crucial, and the postholder will need to be skilled at bringing together diverse skills and expertise to achieve great outcomes.
Accountabilities
Responsible for managing the implementation of the County-wide Air Quality Strategy, which has been developed jointly by Councils from across Essex. Close working with all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Councils in Essex will be required, including engagement with officers and members, facilitating workshops, recording progress against actions and developing joint communications.
Prioritising tasks and resources so that tasks are completed in the most efficient manner, taking account of internal and external deadlines, whilst striving to provide outputs of a consistently high standard.
Development of an approach for monitoring and reporting progress of actions set out in the strategy, and the identification of new actions if necessary.
Maintain and builds strong stakeholder and partner relationships, including but not limited to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards, Essex Police, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University.
Monitor developments in the field of air quality within the UK, stay informed of statutory requirements and guidance relating to air quality, and produce reports and presentations of findings, identifying good practice and lessons learnt.
Identifying and pursuing opportunities for securing external funding for the purpose of raising awareness of air quality and taking forward measures for reducing air pollution.
Production of annual business cases (capital and revenue) to ensure that there is ongoing funding within Essex County Council for progression of air quality related projects and match funding for any potential external grant funding.
Providing updates to the Essex, Southend and Thurrock Health and Wellbeing Boards and other groups as necessary on progress against delivery of the strategy.
Responsible for ensuring an effective governance and assurance framework is in place to support decision making and ensure regular reporting on progress through pro-active engagement with project sponsors, including the production of committee reports and participation at Project Board meetings.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
About you
Educated to RQF Level 6 (degree level) or equivalent through extensive experience, ideally supported by professional accreditation in relevant disciplines such as environmental science, public health, project management, or highways.
Evidence of continuing professional development, and appropriate knowledge in a relevant professional area such as, AMP practitioner or Prince 2.
Demonstrable post qualification experience within a project-based environment with evidence of having successfully completed several projects and experienced contributing to a range of other projects and/or programmes.
Proven interest in air quality and other public health and environmental issues.
Excellent communication skills including the ability to assimilate information from a wide range of sources and write detailed, compelling and evidence-based reports.
Ability to bring together a range of skills, resources and expertise to unlock opportunities.
Ability to build strong networks and partnerships which are collaborative and influential in their nature and engender joint delivery.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
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