Project Support (Internal title: Strategic Planning Officer) (Maternity Cover)
Professional 2A
Publish date: 19 September 2025
Closing date: 13 October 2025 at 12 noon
Salary: £ £46142
Hours: Full Time
Overview
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.
Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.
This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.
Do you thrive on turning strategy into action? Are you motivated by helping complex organisations deliver measurable outcomes and continuous improvement? West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Strategic Planning Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Performance team.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of WMFS, supporting the delivery of our strategic priorities and ensuring projects and programmes are effectively planned, governed, and aligned to organisational objectives. You will work closely with senior leaders, project managers, and teams across the Service, embedding best practice in programme management, risk oversight, and benefits realisation.
With a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement, you will be helping WMFS to not only achieve but exceed its ambitions, ensuring our communities remain safer, stronger, and healthier.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain robust project governance processes, including planning, milestones, scope definition, financial controls, and change management
provide guidance, tools, and assurance to senior officers and project teams to drive consistency and efficiency in project delivery
monitor and report on programme benefits, demonstrating measurable impact and alignment with strategic goals
support integration of project and risk management across the organisation, maintaining oversight of corporate risk registers
build strong relationships with leaders and teams to promote collaboration, innovation, and best practice in strategic project delivery
contribute to the design, development, and enhancement of WMFS project management systems and methodologies
stay informed of emerging trends and tools in programme and portfolio management, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
support wider Strategy team initiatives to ensure corporate objectives are delivered effectively.
Experience and skills
We are looking for someone with:
A strong understanding of project and programme management principles and processes
excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
experience in project governance, benefits realisation, and risk management
strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Planner, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
a collaborative mindset, with the ability to build relationships across teams and drive continuous improvement.
Essential skills or experience
Qualification and/or significant experience in project or programme management
evidence of continued professional development
ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in line with organisational goals.
Desirable skills or experience
Membership of a professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM)
experience influencing senior executives and aligning projects with broader business change
passion for continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery.
Special Requirements
Occasional travel to other WMFS sites may be required
there may be occasional requirements to work outside normal office hours to support organisational priorities.
Benefits
We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:
Flexible and agile working arrangements
free, on-site gym facilities
free, on-site parking.
We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
In addition, employees have access to:
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
wellbeing programmes
'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes
Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.
Diversity
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.
WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.
Please be aware that priority will be given to members of staff on our redeployment list.
Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and answer the questions, outlining previous experience, to outline your suitability for the role.
Questions
If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Mathew Ward on or by email