Job title: Built Environment Project Manager
Salary: £48,474 - £51,515
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House, Leeds
Are you looking to play your part in transforming one of the most dynamic cities in the UK? Our vision is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK. One that is caring and compassionate, has a strong economy and which tackles and reduces inequalities. The Station Development Team is working with partners to support the delivery of mass rapid transit. The Projects and Programmes Team is working with partners to deliver construction projects across a range of programmes including regeneration, public realm, place making, culture, leisure, and Council assets.
About the role
Working in one of the above teams, modelling the Council’s values and behaviours to achieve Council and service ambitions, you will be responsible for leading and directing the management of complex projects and management functions across the Council and in collaboration with partner organisations which are primarily focused on place making and the built environment. This will likely include line management duties as well as supporting the wider team and providing advice to partners. The work is fast paced and dynamic supporting the delivery and improvement of services which meet the needs of communities.
The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership and direction and overall management for project delivery, supporting professional and management functions. It will include on-site working and leading on projects commensurate with grade. As well as supporting the authority to meet a range of statutory and regulatory functions in relation to procurement, planning and highways, the post holder will support and provide information to ward members and other services on related project and commercial activity.
About You
We are seeking a self-motivated, versatile, delivery focused applicant to provide project management delivery in a placemaking environment, who will lead on and implement a range of challenging projects and programmes. You will have a clear understanding of design development and delivery of physical development projects.
You will come from a project management and infrastructure background in placemaking, such as development surveying, town planning and/or urban regeneration and have experience of land and property matters such as consenting strategies and compulsory purchase.
You will work as part of a larger team with a proactive culture and in partnership to deliver our investment and service objectives. You will have a track record of working as part of a dedicated team and be effective in managing competing priorities and workloads, responding quickly to changing needs and be able to demonstrate excellent organisation skills.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
- A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement (word limit: 3,000) which explains why you meet the criteria listed in the personal specification and core competencies.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Chloe Dummer, Senior Project Manager on phone 07891277528 or email Chloe.Dummer@leeds.gov.uk.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job purpose
Working as part of a team modelling the Council’s values and behaviours to help achieve council and service ambitions. You will be responsible for leading and directing the management of complex projects and management functions across the council and in collaboration with partner organisations which are primarily focused on place making and the built environment. The work is fast paced and dynamic supporting the delivery and improvement of services which meet the needs of our communities and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership and direction and overall management for project delivery, supporting professional and management functions. It will include on-site working  and leading on projects commensurate with grade.  As well as supporting the authority to meet a range of statutory and regulatory functions in relation to procurement, planning and highways. To support and provide information to ward members and other services on related project and commercial activity.
Qualifications
- Significant relevant demonstrable experience in a Built Environment discipline
- Significant relevant demonstrable skills at a level equivalent to apm Level C and / or apm PMQ.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
Management and governance
- Experience of leading the delivery of/project managing complex built environment projects through all the Design e.g. RIBA/lifecycle/Gateway stages with competing workstreams, including the development and leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
- Experience of establishing and implementing effective project governance, contributing to effective project decision-making, reporting, including the production and presentation of decision reports for senior officer and board approval based on options analysis and professional advice as appropriate.
- Experience of line management duties and staff development and able to demonstrate drive, resilience, and leadership skills.
- Ability to apply project management methodology and tools to deliver complex built environment projects i.e., risk logs, communications plans, project brief, cost plans and procurement strategy reports etc.
Financial and Commercial
- Experience of undertaking complex commercial negotiations to secure value for money and drive quality.
- Experience of managing and leading the identification and resolution of risks and issues with the ability to find and implement creative and innovative solutions to complex problems at programme and project level.
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of contract management including commercial negotiation, monitoring and evaluation resulting in improvements to performance outcomes and continuous learning.
- Promote the identification and development of funding opportunities, complete applications and support the development of bids to external bodies and to identify funding and cost saving opportunities to support project viability whilst maintaining project quality.
- Experience of risk management including mitigating / minimising the Council’s liabilities or risk exposure.
Teamwork and communication
- Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner using a variety of formats to stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience of creating and developing relationships with strategic partners to influence strategic policy and project ambitions to ensure the Councils ambitions and plans are delivered.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary built environment project environment and coordinating inputs from across a project team, including interfacing with other service areas such as legal, finance and technical as needed taking guidance or providing support to senior officers and team members where needed.
- Ability to work both within the council and with external stakeholders and partners, focusing on delivering quality outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to inform, influence and negotiate to form positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders within the Council and a range of stakeholders and partners outside the Council.
Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
