Principal Programme Manager

Are you experienced in programme management and a Microsoft Project whizz?

Midlands Connect are looking for a Principal Programme Manager to coordinate all of their live projects and make sure that these are completed on time and within budget. This is an opportunity where you will gain exposure to a diverse range of projects, including rail and technology and innovation.

Being part of the progression plan for the region, you will manage and report on the Midlands Connect Programme including the effective operation of the agreed governance, finance risk structures and procurement framework.

This role needs someone who understands what good programme management looks like, can coordinate complex projects and isn't afraid to challenge things.

What will you be doing?

* Support the planning and management of the overall Midlands Connect programme ensuring project leads meet the agreed objectives, timescales, standard of quality and cost constraints

* Provide progress and trend information and highlight areas where management action is required

* Develop and maintain robust, fit-for-purpose risk management and assurance frameworks

* Compile monthly programme update reports, to satisfy both internal and external reporting requirements and assist the Head of Business Operations in maintaining an accurate assessment of the programme and resource requirements

* Working across multi-disciplinary teams to gather, interpret, analyse and challenge workstream and project updates to maintain quality and meet time constraints

* Coordinate information to support the team in responding to Midlands Connect Stakeholders ensuring that any issues or clarifications raised are resolved in an effective and mutually agreeable manner

* Identification and monitoring of programme risks (threats and opportunities), planning and implementing responses to them and responding to other issues that affect the Midlands Connect programme

* Support the agreed Governance structures and procurement procedures to ensure that the correct governance and reporting arrangements are implemented in line with the requirements of the accountable body, Midlands Connect Partnership and the Department for Transport

Midlands Connect is the transport partner of the Midlands Engine, a coalition of Councils, Combined Authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Universities, and businesses across the region, actively working with Government to add value for the whole of the Midlands and its communities. The team research, develop and recommend long-term transport projects which will provide the biggest possible economic, social and environmental benefits for the Midlands and the rest of the UK.

WMCA acts as the accountable body for the Midlands Connect partnership and is a core pillar of the Midlands Engine ‘Vision for Growth’.

About you

It is essential that you have experience of coordinating complex projects and are capable of supporting detailed project plans and understand risk management. Experience of producing briefing notes and regular accurate and cohesive programme status reports is key to this role.

You must be able to use your own initiative and work across multi-disciplinary teams. Strong communication, the ability to work well under pressure and self-motivation are all essential for this role.

Experience of working within governance would be desirable.

About us

WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.

We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be.

As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

The online Application Form you'll be asked to complete plays a key part in our recruitment and selection process. We use the information you provide to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is important that you complete the Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. You will be asked to upload a Supporting Statement (not a CV) and this should include specific examples which demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying.

Location

156 Great Charles Street, Queensway, Birmingham, B3 3HN. Hybrid working conditions are currently in place which means working remotely and coming to the office when required