Development Manager - (Education Project Sponsor)

Development Manager - (Education Project Sponsor)

Fixed Term (18 months), Full Time

£46,501 to £54,707 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 29th September 2025

*Please note this is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work at a functional work location (across Essex) 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.

This opportunity will be offered as an 18 month fixed-term contract or secondment.

The Capital Investment and Infrastructure Delivery team will develop and deliver the capital programme for Essex County Council. The team will focus on developing opportunities for capital investment in order to secure financial returns to support the Council’s strategic priorities.

Responsible for the overall strategy, direction, co-ordination, implementation, execution, control and completion of specific projects within budget and to strict deadlines; whilst ensuring consistency with business strategy, commitments and goals.

With professional accreditation or a deep understanding of project management methodologies and the ability to demonstrate this in the delivery of projects/programmes.  This role will also have experience of developing and maintaining project plans, setting key milestones and deploying and managing resources to meet these.

Accountabilities

Responsible for contributing to the development of strategies and plans to effectively manage stakeholder expectations.  Ensuring successful delivery of quality project outcomes within agreed constraints, in support of function Business Plans.

Work in collaboration with senior leaders and stakeholders to define and agree project scope, critical success factors and deliverables in support of wider strategic goals.

Develop and deliver the project control documentation and agree reporting requirements with the client.  Ensuring currency and compliance of project documentation, in line with agreed guidelines, to enable audits to be carried out.

Develop strategies to manage progress of the project plan, identifying risks, changes in scope and potential issues.  Devise contingency plans to mitigate risks and escalate as necessary.

Deliver progress reports to the Portfolio Manager and/or Business Owner and Project Board, advising if project tolerances are being exceeded, informing and shaping decisions, presenting options and challenges as required.

Manage and monitor progress of the project budget, identifying opportunities for efficiency savings and value for money benefits, producing accurate forecasts and reports.

Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver work streams and projects to agreed quality criteria and parameters.  Quality assuring standards and challenging as required.

Contributes to the revision/updating of project governance and management processes to reflect industry best practice and adhere to the Council’s policies.  Gains an understanding of new and emerging methodologies, associated tools and techniques.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or professional qualification, or equivalent by experience.

Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.

Professional accreditation or deep understanding of project management methodologies e.g., Prince 2, or demonstration through experience.

Demonstrates theoretical knowledge and understanding of the technical, and contextual elements of project management and an ability to evaluate value to projects/programmes.

Good understanding of Change Management theories and experience of practical application.

Experience of developing and maintaining an agreed project plan, including key milestones with evidence of planning and managing the deployment of resources to meet project milestones.

Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships which encourage collaboration and engender delivery.

Experience of delivering organisational change in a complex environment.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

To read more about us please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Working for Essex

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

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, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service.  The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate.  This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.  For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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