Programme Specialist / Manager - Reading- 10205

1
South East
Reading
Kings Meadow House
Staff Grade 7
Permanent
Full Time
Programme and Project Management, Senior Leadership
£55,819
The Programme Specialist is a key role sitting at the heart of our asset and programme delivery activities. This is an influential and exciting leadership position that enhances and develops great working relationships to deliver outstanding results. Reporting to one of six Delivery Managers, this role acts as the conduit between delivery on the ground and more strategic elements of our work, offering an insight into the full range of our project work areas. You will lead a team of professional Project Managers to deliver a portfolio of projects and create a sustainable pipeline of work. This role will also be pivotal in identifying logical and logistical dependencies between projects. We expect those undertaking this role to transition from performing a Programme Specialist role to that of a highly skilled Programme Manager. Therefore, those applying will need to demonstrate a solid knowledge-base in programme management principles. This is indeed a rare opportunity to shape our future performance and culture and thereby create a service provision that others aspire to emulate.
Join us and each day, you’ll go home knowing that your work really makes a difference to people’s lives, livelihoods and our natural environment.
Our valued National Capital Programme Management Service (ncpms) is responsible for delivering the majority of our high profile and large scale projects in a continually improving sustainable way, mainly (not exclusively) within our flood risk asset management programme; from multimillion pound programmes to ground-breaking, award winning projects. Your local team (50-60 colleagues) creates a supportive environment with a clear sense of purpose. Team working is very important to us; each team members’ contribution is valued.
Alongside a relevant degree, you’ll be a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Association of Project Management (APM) or similar, and generally expected to hold PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM Practitioner status or equivalent qualification. A programme management qualification such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner is desirable. You’ll need to demonstrate your exceptional track record in delivering complex projects with high risk factors and show us your excellent leadership skills. You’ll be a first-class communicator, mentor and skilled negotiator, used to delivering desired outcomes on time and to budget, promoting continuous improvement.

Significant experience in managing programmes of work plus one or more of the following areas is essential:
- Project governance
- Commercial and contract management
- Project management of engineering and construction projects
- Project management in Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working practices support a healthy work/life balance and offer numerous choices to help accommodate the demands that various personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available. This role is based within our team in Reading.

Salary: £55,819 up to £60,500 (potential for more for exceptional candidates).

Driving licence ideally required as some driving may be necessary. Lease car is available where there is a clear business need.

Occasional travel and overnight stays required.

For further information contact Chris Allwork on 07919 058522 or email chris.allwork@environment-agency.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 23:55 on Monday 22 April 2019.

Interviews for this role are currently anticipated during w/c 20 May 2019.

22/04/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Solving and deciding - Tell us how your experience, skills and knowledge demonstrates the competency described below – please include details of any roles/responsibilities you have undertaken that have required this competency (where applicable), where skills are transferable and provide specific examples to illustrate your response.

Description: Solving and deciding…is about having timely and open conversations about problems, giving and receiving challenge constructively and valuing advice. It’s about working together to reconcile differences, explore options and identify the optimum solutions to fit the criteria. It’s about making timely, well-supported, transparent decisions and communicating these clearly.
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Innovating and improving - Tell us how your experience, skills and knowledge demonstrates the competency described below – please include details of any roles/responsibilities you have undertaken that have required this competency (where applicable), where skills are transferable and provide specific examples to illustrate your response.

Description: Innovating and improving…is about adapting to change, continuously improving the way we do things and supporting each other to innovate to find the best solutions. It’s about openly sharing ideas, experiences, skills and expertise and learning from successes and mistakes.
Works in Teams
Working as one team - Tell us how your experience, skills and knowledge demonstrates the competency described below – please include details of any roles/responsibilities you have undertaken that have required this competency (where applicable), where skills are transferable and provide specific examples to illustrate your response.

Description: Working as one team …is about creating a shared culture and behaviours and signing up to and demonstrating these. It’s about putting the team first, contributing to team performance and trusting each other to deliver. It’s about being open, honest and inclusive, giving and receiving support, and respecting different backgrounds, expertise, values, styles and perspectives.
Engages others
Connecting with our stakeholders and communities - Tell us how your experience, skills and knowledge demonstrates the competency described below – please include details of any roles/responsibilities you have undertaken that have required this competency (where applicable), where skills are transferable and provide specific examples to illustrate your response.

Description: Connecting with our stakeholders and communities…is about developing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, customers and the communities we serve. It’s about engaging with communities early to listen to them and understand their diverse needs before decisions are made. It’s about adapting our approach, communication and solutions accordingly, doing the right thing for our customers and communities, along with asking for and acting on their feedback.
Full driving licence
Chartered professional member status of the ICE, IMechE, CIWEM, APM or similar, or commitment to achieve chartership within an agreed period.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.