Project Manager- High Needs Block (Automation Transformation)

Project Manager- High Needs Block (Automation Transformation)

Temporary role up to 6 months

To start 1st May 2024

Hybrid working, Central Bournemouth offices- must live within 15 miles of Bournemouth to apply

Pay rate £250 per day

Hours 37 per week, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Job Overview for the Project Manager - High Needs Block (Automation Transformation)

To manage projects, provide advice or diagnose complex problems and/or service in order to support the effective management and delivery of specific projects or programmes, within an area of specialism. Role holders will be expected to manage complete projects or work on elements of complex, or broader projects or programmes of work.

Specifically, to manage the Transformation Project in relation to priorities attached to the High Needs Block Funding within Local Authority

Key Responsibilities

Use established systems to track key programme/project metrics, benefits, budgets, risks and highlight variances/trends in order to manage and control programme/project progress and contribute to effective governance of the programme/project.

Provide advice and subject matter expertise (SME) in project, change management and approaches, so that projects within local authority are delivered in accordance with techniques and best practice.

Ensure all project/ programme methodology implemented supports the wider objectives of The Services transformation.

Review and interpret programme and project management related functional policies or processes, develop and recommend changes and provide advice to colleagues to ensure their effective implementation

Plan and carry out regular project quality reviews in order to identify, assess and take action to mitigate risks to project success.

Build effective client relationships with internal and external stakeholders or customers to help them understand project objectives and progress, ensure the client brief is adhered to, and to deliver assigned part of programmes/projects and support effective collaboration. This will involve influencing, persuading, and understanding the needs of others in the delivery of projects

Develop business cases, funding bids, and reports, and provide advice and expertise to assist in the securing of funding, to develop and improve management of projects, and improve services

Manage, monitor and report on project funding and finances, to ensure that the projects are delivered within budget and that funding is spent in accordance with regulations and requirements

Specific Qualifications and Experience

• Degree and/or Member of an appropriate professional body relevant to the service area
• Relevant project management qualification, e.g. PRINCE2 or equivalent
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of how High Needs Block systems work in Local Authorities and experience of working in this area.
• Detailed knowledge in area of service or specialism including a general, broader understanding of the public sector and the issues that it faces
• Knowledge and understanding of the educational system, including specialist provision and alternative provision, in addition to mainstream funding.
• Experience of managing projects and project teams
• Experience managing and reporting on budgets and project costs
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a range of stakeholders and project teams
• Ability to analyse and present information including statistical data and prepare reports
• Ability to manage and direct project teams and supervise the quality of outputs
• Ability to see a wider picture and understand complexity of interlinkages between different elements of the High Needs Block.

Personal Qualities & Attributes

• Influencing and negotiation skills to demonstrate new opportunities for ways of working to service teams
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information through both formal and informal methods in a methodical and clear manner to a wide range of audiences

Job Requirements

This role manages a matrix team made up of Local Authority employees, external advisers and consultants

This role will work in a complex High Need Block environment, so past experience is essential

This role will manage a budget and/or contribute to the management of the overall programme budget and will impact on savings/costs

Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car