Programme Assistant

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Hempstalls; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary based on council scales

Hybrid and flexible working options

Local government pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Rewards and benefits information

Job summary

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is seeking a Programme Assistant to support the Levelling Up Programme and other capital regeneration projects. You will manage project administration, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and help deliver schemes within funding and governance constraints.

You will thrive in a matrix environment, contribute to high-quality reports and communications, and support senior professionals across the programme.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification required for the role.
• Experience in project management and working in fast paced environments.
• Strong understanding of governance, procurement and financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead on smaller projects and assist with coordination of multi-disciplinary teams within the council.
• Support development and delivery of complex regeneration projects to time, cost and quality targets.
• Provide guidance on construction programmes, procurement and delivery practices.
• Set programmes and deadlines to ensure schemes meet financial constraints and funding terms.
• Act as a point of contact for media and communications related to regeneration projects.
• Prepare documents, agendas, minutes, reports and professional presentations.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Procurement

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Governance

Reporting

Communications

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Directorate:

Housing, Regeneration and Operations

Section:

Major Projects and Regeneration

Location:

Civic Centre

Grade:

Level 10

Hours:

37 hours per week

This advert is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed term post until June 2027 to cover secondment however, it could extend should the seconded employee return date change. This can be offered on a Secondment basis should your current manager agree.

About us:

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it’s about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

Further information on the Council and our directorates

The Role:

To support the approved and agreed Levelling Up Programme and other capital regeneration projects, with all aspects of its project administration, management and delivery. The programme is arranged in investment portfolios led by the Programme Director. The Programme Assistant will have a range of projects to support, have direct responsibility for the delivery of other projects, and will work across the programme as directed. The post holder must be able to thrive within this matrix environment and will therefore be expected to support the wider Levelling Up team.

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead on smaller projects and assist in others with the coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, internal and external to the Council, including procurement and appointment of professionals; to monitor the performance of all project appointees, taking corrective action when necessary.
• To assist and support the development and delivery of complex projects in a multi‑stakeholder environment, representing the City Council in an outward facing capacity, upholding the professional conduct and behaviours expected of senior professionals.
• To assist with advice on construction programmes, procurement, contract and delivery, and investment principles associated with built assets in order to minimise the risks to the Council, maximise the benefits and financial returns associated with each project.
• To propose, agree, set and work to programmes and deadlines as to ensure completion of schemes within the financial constraints of the project and in accordance with funding agreements.
• Leading on smaller projects, and assist on others, with media and communications contact on regeneration projects, assisting with queries and liaising with the project as necessary, drawing upon the expertise of colleagues.
• Formulate documents, agendas, minutes, reports and presentations to a high quality and professional standard.

About You:

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification
• Post‑graduate experience working in a similar environment of project management and/or similar
• Good understanding of working within a fast‑paced political environment and the key stakeholders involved in successful project delivery teams
• Excellent knowledge of best practice in relation to project management and all underpinning disciplines (finance, legal, governance, procurement)
• Experience of working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team supporting and delivering multi‑agency, multi‑funder projects to agreed time, cost and quality indicators
• Track record of programme and project support, administration and management of regeneration, infrastructure and development projects
• Well organised, good project management, administration, reporting and meetings facilitation skills.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
• Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here

Pre-Employment Checks:

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK
• Proof of address
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

Organisation Process

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.