Senior Project Manager

Somerset Fire; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in Exeter is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex programmes that support service priorities. You will manage delivery from initiation to benefits realisation, collaborating with project boards, senior leaders and external partners to ensure on-time, on-budget results.

The role offers mentoring across the team and requires Prince2 Practitioner certification. 37 hours per week, permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex projects across multiple departments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and governance.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of projects aligned to service priorities.
• Define objectives, scope, outcomes and success measures.
• Develop and maintain project plans with milestones, budgets and quality standards.
• Manage resources including staff, funding and external suppliers.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams, including virtual teams.
• Report on progress, risks, issues and benefits.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Leadership

Education

PRINCE2 Practitioner level

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Senior Project Manager to join our Business Change Team on a permanent basis.

This role offers the opportunity to lead high profile projects that support Service priorities and strategic objectives. You'll take ownership of complex project delivery, ensuring agreed outcomes are achieved on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Working across multiple departments and with a wide range of stakeholders, you'll play a key role in driving organisational change and continuous improvement.

You'll also support the development of project management capability across the team and through mentoring, coaching and sharing best practice.

About the role:

As a Senior Project Manager, you'll be responsible for leading and delivering specific projects from initiation through to implementation and benefits realisation. You will work closely with project boards, senior leaders, subject matter experts and external partners to ensure successful delivery and effective stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong project management experience who enjoys building relationships, influencing decisions and leading change across a complex organisation.

Find out more:

Key responsibilities:

You will:

• Lead the delivery of projects that support Service and Directorate priorities.
• Work with project boards and stakeholders to define objectives, scope, outcomes and success measures.
• Develop and maintain project plans, ensuring delivery against agreed milestones, budgets and quality standards.
• Identify, secure and manage project resources, including staff, funding and external suppliers.
• Establish and coordinate project teams, including virtual teams drawn from across the Service.
• Monitor and report on project progress, risks, issues, dependencies and benefits.
• Ensure third party suppliers and partner organisations are effectively integrated into project delivery.
• Produce and maintain project documentation using recognised project management methodologies and systems.
• Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans to keep stakeholders informed and involved.
• Provide professional advice, reports and assurance to senior managers, the Service Leadership Team and Executive Board as required.
• Manage project risks and mitigation plans, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Ensure business continuity and effective transition to new ways of working.
• Build collaborative relationships with regional and national project networks.
• Support, mentor and develop colleagues through the Personal Performance and Development (PPD) process where applicable.
• Promote the Service's Cre Values and ensure compliance with all relevant policies, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, GDPR and Health and Safety requirements.

What we are looking for:

We're seeking a proactive and highly organised project professional who can lead complex projects while building strong working relationships across the Service.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible to apply for this role you must hold the following qualification:

• Qualified to PRINCE 2 Practitioner level.

Closing Date: 2359hrs 17 November 2026.

Our values

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services' Safeguarding policy.

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable response.

As a Service and as individuals:

• We are proud to help
• We are honest
• We are respectful
• We are working together

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.

Location: Exeter

Contract type: Permanent

Hours of work: 37 hours per week