Project Manager - Local Government Reorganisation

-; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization based in Chelmsford is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee a critical reorganisation project. The successful candidate will manage programme plans, stakeholder relationships, and team performance to deliver key outcomes. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in programme planning, risk management, and governance frameworks. This role offers a competitive pay rate of up to £500 per day on a temporary basis until March 2026, with potential for extension.

Benefits

Support for unpaid carers

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in large‑scale programme planning and reporting.
• Strong risk management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain complex, integrated programme plans.
• Manage risks and navigate senior stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee project progress and ensure budget compliance.

Skills

Programme planning and reporting

Microsoft Project

Risk management

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Project Manager - Local Government Reorganisation

Essex County Council (ECC)

Temporary, Full Time

Up to £500 per day, Umbrella (Outside IR35) - dependent on experience

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: 7th January 2026

Please note that this is a temporary opportunity until the end of March 2026 with possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain complex, integrated programme plans
• Manage critical risks and navigate senior stakeholder relationships with confidence
• Build agile reporting frameworks and governance structures
• Provide clear, actionable insights for executive decision‑making

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in large‑scale programme planning and reporting
• Expertise in Microsoft Project and advanced planning tools
• Strong risk management and senior stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Ability to design governance and agile reporting frameworks for complex change

Accountabilities

• Responsible for managing a project that contributes to ECC’s strategic aims, delivering agreed outcomes within time and cost constraints.
• Responsible for day‑to‑day management of both the project and the project team.
• Ensure a robust business case is agreed, aligning project deliverables to organisational expectations.
• Develop and monitor project progress, staying within the agreed budget and prioritising resources with the Portfolio/Programme Manager.
• Lead and motivate a team, ensuring current capability matches project requirements and providing coaching to develop a high‑performing team.
• Agree with customers on quantified benefits to be realised and metrics required to monitor impact, designing and actively managing the project plan.
• Highlight project risks and issues, mitigating and escalating them appropriately.
• Ensure effective Change Management processes are in place, documenting changes to deliverables as agreed with stakeholders.
• Maintain an effective governance and assurance framework to support decision making and report progress through pro‑active engagement with sponsors; collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Define individual and shared targets and objectives within the annual performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to degree level or equivalent by extensive experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant area (e.g., AMP practitioner, Prince2).
• Successfully completed several projects, contributing to a range of other projects and/or programmes.
• Experience working with diverse individuals at different levels within a complex organisation, overcoming obstacles.
• Experience working within a political environment with knowledge of the public sector and involvement in large, complex environments.
• Good management skills in leading and managing a team, and evidence of developing others.

Confidentiality of information must be maintained at all times during and after your employment. This means that you must not divulge information of a confidential, sensitive or commercial nature gained during the course of your employment for any purpose. The full confidentiality clause is contained within your contract of employment.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council, you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Please note that Essex County Council has determined that the off‑payroll working rules will not apply to this assignment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email [e-mail].

Please note that this advert may close earlier than advertised should sufficient suitable applications be received.