Assistant Project Manager

Fixed Term / Secondment (12 months), Full Time

£34,647 to £40,761 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 2nd July 2026

*Please note this is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work in the Chelmsford office 1-2 days per week, depending on business need.

Please note this opportunity will be offered as a 12 month fixed-term contract or secondment.

The opportunity

Essex County Council has a significant track record of delivering complex and innovative transformational change. The Transformation approach is a key part of that and since 2021 our transformation programmes have delivered over £48M of savings from the most complex initiatives at the Council.

Our organisational and political leadership have prioritised their critical areas of focus, which will deliver meaningful and sustainable change over the next few years aiming to deliver a further £20m financial benefit during 27/28. Our nationally respected, award-winning Transformation Team are critical to driving change in ECC and Greater Essex over a number of areas. Whether your background or interest as a project professional is in public realm, technological change and innovation, citizen and resident experience, there are a myriad of exciting opportunities in Essex. We’re looking forward to helping you to start, continue or expand your project career here!

Essex County Council (ECC) is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that offers a compelling environment for both aspiring and experienced project management professionals. Whether you are starting your career or bringing experience, we invest in you. With career pathways, training opportunities, and a strong project profession community, you’ll be supported to thrive.

At ECC, project management is not just about delivery—it is about improving the lives of over 1.8 million residents. From transforming adult social care and education services to advancing digital innovation and improving resident experiences, the projects you work on have a tangible impact. Joining the Transformation Team at ECC offers exposure to a broad and diverse portfolio of programmes and projects. As a project professional you will have the chance to work across multiple service areas, including highways and waste, adult social care, children’s services, and digital services. This variety ensures that no two projects are the same and provides continuous opportunities to build experience, broaden expertise, and develop professionally.

Essex County Council has a strong focus on transformation and continuous improvement. The organisation embraces new ways of working and innovative approaches to service delivery. For project professionals, this means being at the forefront of change—leading complex transformation programmes and helping shape the future of public services. Project professionals at ECC are part of a supportive professional community, one that builds capability, with access to training, communities of practice, informal and formal learning opportunities and recognised methodologies. The scale and ambition of ECC’s transformation agenda mean there are always opportunities to stretch and grow.

The role

The Assistant Project Manager plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of projects, programmes, and portfolios. You will help ensure the smooth running of project activities by supporting Project Managers, applying project management processes, and coordinating key business management tasks.

You may also support portfolio reporting for a Head of Transformation Delivery and take responsibility for leading smaller projects or workstreams where required.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a project environment, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise effectively. You will be a confident communicator with the ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.

Accountabilities

Responsible for ensuring robust systems are in place to enable effective planning and scheduling within a project, programme or portfolio.

Responsible for managing project controls effectively to ensure all reports provide an accurate update on project status and highlight any specific concerns on progress.

Responsible for ensuring key operational activities are conducted efficiently in a timely manner whilst ensuring compliance and adherence to critical business processes, such as Health and Safety.

Responsible for documenting resource requirements and plans for projects/programmes/portfolios. Make recommendations to actively manage workforce planning for Project Managers and enable decision making on the best resources for each project based on current capability.

Work collaboratively with a broad and diverse group of internal and external stakeholders including senior management.

Responsible for effectively monitoring specific project spend and provide information required to support business case sign-off to ensure both Project and Programme Managers are kept up to date on progress.

Responsible for taking the lead on highlighting potential areas for risk and escalating as appropriate to the Project/Programme Manager, recommending ways to mitigate such risks.

Responsible for leading specific workstreams within projects to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes within time, cost and constraints. This will include design of workstream and delivery approach.

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

The Experience You Will Bring

Educated to A level or equivalent by extensive experience.

Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. For example, APM or Prince 2 foundation.

Experience and evidence of involvement in project management.

Experience of working with a broad range of individuals at different levels within the organisation and engaging with them, finding ways to overcome obstacles.

Keen to engage with others and learn from them.

Experience of working within a political environment with knowledge of a public sector setting and involvement in a large, complex environment.

Good planning and organisation skills, determination to meet deadlines.

Curious manner, innovative approach in looking for alternative solutions.

To read more about us please visit: Corporate Services - Working for Essex

Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.

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.

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.

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 here.

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

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