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We are looking for a proactive and detail-focused Programme Centre of Excellence Specialist to join our Programme Assurance & Appraisal (PA&A) team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity, thrives in a busy environment, and is confident engaging with stakeholders at every level.

You’ll champion our Programme Assurance and Appraisal standards, supporting both internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality, well-governed programmes. By validating data, coordinating governance activity and maintaining key project information, you’ll help drive clear decision-making across the organisation.

No two days will be the same - you’ll be coordinating multiple tasks, supporting continuous improvement, and helping to keep the Centre of Excellence running efficiently. If you’re adaptable, organised, and passionate about best practice, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is being offered as a 12-month fixed term contract.

• Build strong relationships across WMCA Directorates and stakeholders to support delivery.
• Map and maintain programme stakeholders and understand their interests and impact.
• Champion the WMCA Single Assurance Framework (SAF) and promote consistent adoption.
• Provide advice, support and fast‑track guidance to PA&A teams and project/programme stakeholders.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, communications and timelines.
• Maintain two‑way communication channels and use feedback to drive improvements.
• Support the development and maintenance of project portfolio pipelines and Activity Registers.
• Ensure accurate reporting, manage deadlines and develop robust reporting processes.
• Maintain libraries of best practice documents, resources and reference materials.
• Oversee configuration and document control — ensuring versioning, accuracy and accessibility.
• Capture lessons learned from completed programmes to drive future improvement.
• Stay up‑to‑date with emerging project and programme management tools and techniques.
• Support governance and reporting across programmes and projects.
• Lead on development of PA&A standards, procedures and systems (SharePoint, intranet, document management).
• Mentor and support the Programme Centre of Excellence Officer.

• Experience in a Centre of Excellence, PMO or Project Management environment.
• Strong background in developing standards, best practice and process documentation.
• Experience in portfolio, project delivery or change environments.
• Ability to work confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Strong analytical and data‑processing skills.
• High level of IT literacy - including SharePoint, Visio, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Teams.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence and build relationships.
• A proactive, adaptable self‑starter able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of HM Treasury Green Book / Five Case Model (desirable).
• Degree‑level education plus a recognised PMO/Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, P3O, Agile).

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement.Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application.Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing,andmortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

WMCA is laser‑focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part‑time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Job Description - Programme Centre of Excellence Specialist.pdf