Project Manager

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in North East England is seeking a dynamic individual to manage transformational projects. The role involves engaging with stakeholders and delivering effective project outcomes. Ideal candidates will have experience in project delivery and possess strong analytical and communication skills. This temporary position is until March 2028, offering a rewards package including 27 days of annual leave and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in project delivery, managing resources, service improvement, or business analysis in the public sector.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Manage cross-functional transformational projects.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to drive delivery.
• Oversee project lifecycles and ensure milestones are met.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement skills

Collaborative mindset

Passion for public service

Job description

Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we are seeking dynamic, innovative individuals to join our team. If you are passionate about making a real impact, driving positive change, and contributing to the success of County Durham, this is your opportunity to be at the heart of something exceptional.

The post is temporary until 31 March 2028 and will help shape and deliver our ambitious transformation agenda of a modern reformed Council. The post is ideal for people who thrive on challenge, collaboration, and making a difference to the people who live or work in County Durham. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team where your ideas and expertise will help shape meaningful change.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You’ll manage cross-functional high profile transformational projects, engaging with senior stakeholders, and driving delivery using our project framework. You’ll be responsible for working with services to oversee project lifecycles, ensuring milestones are met, and risks are managed effectively. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate across the Council.

We encourage you to contact Abbie McQuillan, Team Leader, Senior Project Manager via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• Passion for public service and transformation
• Proven experience of strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Significant experience in project delivery including managing resources, service improvement, or business analysis in the public sector
• A collaborative mindset and a drive to make things better

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email [e-mail]

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [e-mail]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

Visit our website durham.gov.uk/jobsandcareerswithus

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