Assistant Project Manager
Fixed Term / Secondment (12 months), Full Time
£34,647 to £40,761 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
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.
The opportunity
Essex County Council has a significant track record of delivering complex and innovative transformational change. Since 2021 our transformation programmes have delivered over £48M of savings from the most complex initiatives at the Council.
The organisation prioritises critical areas of focus to deliver further financial benefit and drive meaningful change. Our award‑winning Transformation Team is key to this effort and offers a dynamic environment for project management professionals, with career pathways, training and a strong project community.
The role
The Assistant Project Manager supports the delivery of projects, programmes, and portfolios, ensuring smooth project activities by assisting Project Managers, applying project management processes, and coordinating key business management tasks.
You may also support portfolio reporting and lead smaller projects or workstreams where required.
The ideal candidate has experience in a project environment, strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise effectively, and confident communication skills to engage 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 accurate updates on project status and highlight any specific concerns about progress.
Responsible for ensuring key operational activities are conducted efficiently and compliantly, including Health and Safety.
Responsible for documenting resource requirements and plans for projects/programmes/portfolios, and recommending workforce planning.
Collaborate with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including senior management.
Monitor project spend and support business case sign‑off.
Identify risk areas, elevate to the Project/Programme Manager, and recommend mitigation.
Lead specific workstreams within projects to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes within time, cost and constraints.
Targets and objectives are defined annually in 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, e.g. APM or Prince2 foundation.
Experience and evidence of involvement in project management.
Ability to work with individuals at different levels and overcome obstacles.
Curious manner and innovative approach to problem solving.
Experience in a political environment with knowledge of the public sector.
Good planning, organisation and determination to meet deadlines.
Equal Opportunities and Accessibility
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job requirements. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
We value integrity and ethical behaviour. Please embrace our code of conduct and Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
For queries on this role, email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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