Programme Manager

Westmorland and Furness Council; Kendal; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Perks and discounts schemes

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a self-reliant Programme Manager to lead major capital projects and infrastructure programmes in Kendal. You will oversee delivery across lifecycle stages, coordinate with stakeholders, and drive contract procurement and asset handover to deliver community-impacting outcomes.

The role requires a relevant degree and strong programme management experience, with a track record of managing medium-to-large scale projects and leading cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Experience with capital works programmes and project delivery.
• Proven ability to manage public-facing projects with community/media interest.
• Experience working with external funding bodies and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of significant capital projects and programmes.
• Design and manage programme delivery environments across lifecycle stages.
• Manage multiple contracts from feasibility to handover.
• Lead procurement and management of major contracts and service contracts.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing project team.

Skills

Capital Works Programme

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Procurement management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

About this opportunity

Location: Kendal

Contract Type: Permanent

The Capital Programme team is responsible for the core delivery of the Council’s c. £80-100m/year Capital Programme developing projects which make a real ‘on the ground’ difference to our communities, places and people in Westmorland and Furness. On a daily basis the programme develops and maintains new council buildings including care homes, schools, community centres and offices; construct’s and maintains highways and cycleways; build new flood defences; work with partners to enable housing development and drive the council’s internal decarbonisation programme for its services.

The Programme Manager Role will support the Council by playing a leading role in the Capital programme Infrastructure Portfolio. The Infrastructure Portfolio is growing and is currently responsible for:

• Marina Village, Barrow - c. £24mil remediation and enabling works
• Sandscale Park Depot – c. £2.5mil Depot to replace services at Salthouse
• Integrated Depot Programme – studies underway in Barrow & Penrith.
• Kendal Parking Programme – study due to commence.

These projects are key for the Council to deliver on its priorities.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a self-reliant and driven individual who has excellent knowledge of Capital Works Programme and Project management or can apply expertise in an infrastructure or building related discipline to a programme management role.

The candidate will:

• Lead the development and delivery of significant projects and programmes including contributing to the delivery of the Westmorland and Furness Council Plan or allied strategies and plans.
• Design, build and manage exemplary programme and project delivery environments across any or all stages of programme life-cycle.
• Have significant experience of managing public facing projects and programmes subject to high levels of interest by local communities, the media and politicians.
• Have experience of working with a range of external and internal stakeholders including external funding bodies.
• Have extensive knowledge in managing medium to large value service delivery contracts.
• Lead the procurement and management of major contracts or multiple smaller contracts at any or all programme life-cycle stages from initial feasibility to completion and asset handover. This will include the procurement and management of capital works contracts and service contracts.
• Lead and manage a high performing project and programme management team.
• Actively manage, develop and mentor team members.
• Have a relevant degree or equivalent in related professional discipline

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 13/09/2026

Interview date: w/c 28/09/2026