About this role
Job summary
Senior Project Manager Transformation & Programmes
Are you an experienced project manager looking for work that genuinely makes a difference?
Our Transformation and Programme Management Team sits at the heart of the Council, leading some of our most important and complex projects. We work across the whole organisation, meaning no two projects are ever the same.
In this role, you could be delivering transformation across adult and childrens social care, housing, finance, digital or corporate services, often working with multi agency partners and other public sector organisations.
What were looking for
Were looking for experienced project or programme managers who are confident working in complex, fast moving environments and can lead change across multiple service areas.
You'll likely have:
A strong track record of leading complex projects or programmes, from concept through to delivery
Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including senior leaders and external or multi agency partners
The confidence to operate at pace, manage ambiguity and balance competing priorities
A clear focus on outcomes and benefits, including financial savings, service improvement and user experience
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build trust at all levels
A pragmatic, solutions focused approach, with the ability to turn strategy into deliverable plans
Main duties of the job
As a Senior Project Manager, youll lead high profile, cross cutting projects and programmes that:
Deliver significant savings and support financial sustainability Improve services and user experience for residents Support organisational change and modernisation Shape how services are designed and delivered across the Council
You'll work closely with senior leaders, service managers and external partners, providing clear direction, strong governance and confident leadership at every stage of delivery.
Experience in local government, the public sector or large complex organisations is ideal, but were also keen to hear from people who can bring strong transferable skills and a fresh perspective.
If you enjoy variety, are motivated by impact, and want to work on projects that genuinely matter to people and communities, this could be the right role for you.
About us
About us:
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And thats where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
Stoke-on-Trent City Councils diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.
Further information on the Council and our directorates
Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose
The Senior Project Manager will be a key leader responsible for the successful definition, planning and execution of a portfolio of complex cross-cutting programmes and projects aligned with the councils strategic priorities. This role is accountable for shaping, managing, and driving complex programmes that deliver significant organisational benefits. The Senior Project Manager will work at the forefront of change, partnering with senior leaders and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes across multiple projects and workstreams. Achieve organisational priorities and transformation goals by leading the definition, planning, and execution of complex programmes and projects.
Key Duties / Responsibilities
1. Achieve organisational transformation by delivering major programmes that align with council priorities and deliver measurable benefits.
2. Ensure robust governance frameworks are in place to support effective decision-making and risk management.
3. Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, influencing organisational strategy through programme insights and recommendations.
4. Define, maintain and review programme vision, objectives, and benefits, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy.
5. Oversee integrated planning across multiple projects, identifying and managing interdependencies and ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
6. Achieve and oversee the successful delivery of all programme outputs and outcomes, ensuring they meet quality standards and deliver the anticipated benefits to communities and the Council.
7. Assess and manage programme-level risks, issues and dependencies effectively, identifying and escalating critical matters to senior stakeholders and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
8. Lead the development, review and amendment of corporate and service-level policies as required by major transformation programmes.
9. Develop, control and monitor the overall programme budget, which may involve capital and revenue streams, ensuring programmes and projects are delivered within financial constraints.
10. Negotiate and resolve complex conflicts and competing priorities across various service areas and programmes.
11. Implement best-practice programme management methodologies and continuously improve processes to optimise delivery.
12. Build and sustain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected members, and external partners to secure buy-in and collaboration.
13. Communicate programme progress, risks, and benefits clearly and persuasively to executive boards and governance groups.
14. Navigate complex political and organisational landscapes with sensitivity and professionalism.
15. Provide mentorship and coaching to the team of Project Officers and support staff.
16. Lead resource planning across multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and optimising utilisation of internal and external teams.
17. Establish and maintain rigorous performance monitoring, regularly reviewing and reporting on benefits realisation, risks, and issues.
18. Lead the management, processing, and secure handling of complex programme data, including performance, financial tracking, benefits realisation and risk information.
19. Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and post-programme reviews.
20. Ensure compliance with organisational standards, policies, procurement regulations, and governance requirements.
21. Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation across programmes and projects.
22. Assess progress against milestones and adjust plans as necessary.
23. Review programme progress, outcomes, and lessons learned to inform future initiatives.
24. Any other duties appropriate to the post.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Significant experience in managing and leading large-scale, complex change programmes, ideally within a public sector or local government environment Proven ability to manage multiple, interdependent projects across multiple departments and external partners. Extensive demonstratable track record of successfully delivering tangible benefits and outcomes related to significant transformation programmes. Proven experience in managing significant budgets (£1.0m+) and complex resource allocation across programmes and portfolios of projects Proven excellent communication skills, high-level negotiation skills and confident presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including leadership team, political leadership and elected members Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams Strong commercial acumen and ability to negotiate with suppliers and partners Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity Advanced proficiency in programme management tools and MS 365 applications Ability to travel within/around the geographical work area in an effective manner Ability to work with a high degree of independence and autonomy
Qualifications Essential
A relevant university degree or equivalent professional qualification. Relevant project/programme management qualification such as Prince 2/MSP/Agile
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Address Civic Centre
Glebe Street
Stoke
Staffordshire
ST4 1HH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stoke.gov.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)