Overview

We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.

Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.

Role

The Innovation Delivery Group (IDG) is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will provide leadership for projects within the IDG portfolio, working closely with key stakeholders and directing the project team. You will be accountable for project performance throughout its lifecycle, ensuring achievement of high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Project leadership, including oversight and task management of the project team which may include project managers, project support officers, technical specialists, design consultants and contractors. You will mentor and coach project team members, flexing your involvement to suit the strength of the team.

The team

The Innovation Delivery Group (IDG) specialises in delivering complex national projects and programmes that drive innovation, manage risk, and support Environment Agency’s annual action plan. The group is part of Projects and Programme Delivery (PPD) within the Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) directorate. The projects and programmes within the portfolio are multi-disciplinary including water, environment, estates, asset risk and carbon reduction. The group comprises 50 project delivery professionals and subject matter experts.

Experience/skills Required

Essential:

• Significant experience of leading complex projects or programmes, ideally within engineering, construction, asset management and/or flood & coastal risk management.
• Formal training in project management with significant experience of applying project management tools, techniques and processes throughout a project lifecycle.
• Strong commercial acumen with significant experience of contract management and procurement.
• Extensive experience of project financial management and forecasting.
• Experience of managing and influencing senior stakeholders, and of building effective stakeholder engagement plans.
• Strong report writer with experience of producing effective business cases.
• Technical knowledge and leadership in risk management and health & safety compliance.

Desirable:

• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body e.g. ICE, CIWEM or APMP
• Training and experience of working with NEC contracts
• Experience of preparing Scope of Services for appraisal and construction contract awards
• Project management qualifications: Prince2 Practitioner or APM PMQ

Contact and additional information

Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship. You should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration for guidance on obtaining right to work in the UK.

Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate personal commitments. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.

Base location can be any hub nationally, with an expectation of co-locating in Hub or delivery partner offices occasionally.

For further information please contact: liz.depenning@environment-agency.gov.uk

Interviews anticipated to take place w/c: 3rd November (subject to change).

Competencies

Competence 1 – Programme and Project Management

Description: Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively. When providing evidence for competencies, please give examples of how you demonstrate these within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question: Please tell us about a complex project that you have led, describing how you managed the project delivery team including technical specialists, senior users and contractors, as well as managing costs, programme and deliverables quality. Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection; you may use the STAR technique.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift may be conducted.

Competence 2 – Leads People

Description: Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their goals and the Environment Agency’s goals. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question: Please provide an example of when you have motivated and inspired a team to deliver a challenging project or outcome. What techniques did you use and what were the results?

Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection; you may use the STAR technique.

Competence 3 – Focuses on Customers and Partners

Description: Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question: Describe a situation where you balanced the needs of stakeholders with differing drivers to reach a successful outcome.

Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection; you may use the STAR technique.

Competence 4 – Delivers Results Through Others

Description: Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question: Please give an example of delivering significant results through others on a project where you did not have direct control of day-to-day tasks. Note: STAR technique may be used.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job sharing; please include any preferred working arrangements in your application. We also guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency is committed to value for money and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment. If you wish to become a support supplier on these frameworks, please visit the Crown Commercial Service information page at the link below.

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