Project Manager

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead geospatial data projects. The role involves delivering an authoritative land use map for England, managing project timelines and budgets, and coordinating between teams. Candidates should have a strong background in project management and experience with geospatial data. This is a chance to contribute to innovative initiatives that impact the environment and rural economy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management, especially in government or large organizations.
• Strong understanding of geospatial data and land management systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for managing diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Land Model workstreams effectively within set time and budget.
• Manage and coordinate project team efforts and deliverables.
• Establish and maintain project performance indicators and reporting.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in daily life, from the food we eat, to the air we breathe, and the water we drink.

The Geospatial (Land) Programme seeks an experienced project manager to lead the delivery of Defra’s Land Model Workstreams. The programme aims to support Defra outcomes, improve efficiencies, and reduce data debt across the group, ensuring policy and delivery teams use consistent data for decision-making.

The key objectives include:

• Delivering an authoritative land use and boundary map for England to support real-time land use change monitoring.
• Providing a common land map to facilitate collaboration across government departments, local authorities, and land managers.
• Offering accurate data for innovative technologies like drone surveillance and AI.
• Streamlining grant processes through improved land use data access, reducing fraud and errors.
• Integrating existing land datasets into a unified Defra Land Model to prevent duplication and support data sharing.
• Developing a geospatial data standard framework collaboratively.
• Establishing a Centre of Excellence to enhance skills in land model exploitation and geospatial capabilities.

As a Project Manager at DEFRA, your responsibilities include:

• Leading the Land Model workstreams to deliver outcomes within scope, time, and budget, using Agile methodologies.
• Managing the project team and acting as the primary link between the programme and external delivery teams.
• Designing and refining project structures per stage.
• Developing and coordinating business cases, ensuring assurance and resource commitment.
• Overseeing procurement processes and resource scheduling.
• Ensuring benefits are identified, tracked, and realized, with appropriate strategies and support.
• Managing stakeholder relationships and supporting communication plans.
• Maintaining robust governance and assurance processes.
• Managing business change throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Performance & Controls:

• Developing project and programme delivery plans and applying project management principles.
• Establishing and tracking project controls, reporting against milestones.
• Leading risk, issue, assumption, and dependency management.
• Forecasting and monitoring project delivery within budget.
• Implementing effective change management processes.
• Regular travel to Crewe may be required for stakeholder meetings.