Senior Project Manager
| Posting date: | 25 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £48,226 to £51,356 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 April 2026 |
| Location: | Stoke, Staffordshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Stoke on Trent City Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 0000026117 |
Summary
Directorate: Chief Executives
Section: Transformation and Programme Management
Location: Civic Centre
Grade: Level 13 (Subject to Review)
Salary: £48,226 - £51,356 per annum (Subject to Review)
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to internal and external applicants.
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 that’s 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 Council’s 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
The Role:
The Transformation & Programme Management Team are responsible for the council’s Transformation Programme which includes programme management and continuous improvement activities for the council, including a comprehensive programme of business analysis activity which supports the identification of more efficient and effective ways of working, leading to both financial efficiencies and service improvements. The team direct and deliver governance arrangements required for successful programme delivery, including the corporate Transformation Board.
Are you ready to lead major, high impact change that makes a real difference for our communities? We’re looking for a dynamic Senior Project Manager to drive some of the Council’s most significant and complex transformation programmes.
In this pivotal role, you’ll define, plan and deliver cross cutting programmes aligned to our strategic priorities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, act as a trusted adviser, and influence decisions that shape the future of the organisation. You’ll lead integrated planning across multiple projects, oversee budgetsof up to £2m, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure that our programmes deliver meaningful, measurable benefits.
We’re looking for someone with:
· Significant experience in leading large scale transformation programmes, ideally in local government; Strong strategic thinking, problem solving and stakeholder management skills;
· Proven success in managing complex budgets, governance and multi disciplinary project delivery
· Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP or Agile, and advanced MS365capability
· The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational landscapes. In return, you’ll join a supportive,forward‑thinking team at the heart of organisational change, with opportunities to innovate, lead and make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead and deliver major transformation programmes aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, ensuring they achieve measurable benefits for the organisation and communities.
· Establish and manage robust governance, risk, and decision making frameworks across programmes and interdependent projects.
· Oversee integrated planning, managing milestones, interdependencies, resources, and budgets (including capital and revenue) to ensure successful programme delivery.
· Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, influencing strategy and providing clear, persuasive communication on progress, risks, and benefits.
· Build strong relationships and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders, elected members, suppliers, and partners to secure buy in and resolve conflicts.
· Drive continuous improvement, ensuring lessons learned, performance monitoring, compliance with organisational standards, and best practice programme management methodologies.
About You:
· Significant experience leading large scale, complex change programmes, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
· Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, Agile, or equivalent, alongside a relevant degree or equivalent professional training.
· Proven ability to manage multiple interdependent projects, delivering measurable outcomes while navigating ambiguity and complexity.
· Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, and external partners.
· Demonstrable experience managing substantial budgets (£1m+) and allocating resources effectively across programmes and portfolios.
· Advanced proficiency in programme management tools and Microsoft 365, coupled with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and leadership capabilities.
What we offer:
· A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
· Hybrid and flexible working options
· An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
· Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Nicky Denston, Head of Transformation and Programme Management, nicky.denston@stoke.gov.uk
Section: Transformation and Programme Management
Location: Civic Centre
Grade: Level 13 (Subject to Review)
Salary: £48,226 - £51,356 per annum (Subject to Review)
Hours: 37 hours per week
This advert is open to internal and external applicants.
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 that’s 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 Council’s 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
The Role:
The Transformation & Programme Management Team are responsible for the council’s Transformation Programme which includes programme management and continuous improvement activities for the council, including a comprehensive programme of business analysis activity which supports the identification of more efficient and effective ways of working, leading to both financial efficiencies and service improvements. The team direct and deliver governance arrangements required for successful programme delivery, including the corporate Transformation Board.
Are you ready to lead major, high impact change that makes a real difference for our communities? We’re looking for a dynamic Senior Project Manager to drive some of the Council’s most significant and complex transformation programmes.
In this pivotal role, you’ll define, plan and deliver cross cutting programmes aligned to our strategic priorities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, act as a trusted adviser, and influence decisions that shape the future of the organisation. You’ll lead integrated planning across multiple projects, oversee budgetsof up to £2m, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure that our programmes deliver meaningful, measurable benefits.
We’re looking for someone with:
· Significant experience in leading large scale transformation programmes, ideally in local government; Strong strategic thinking, problem solving and stakeholder management skills;
· Proven success in managing complex budgets, governance and multi disciplinary project delivery
· Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP or Agile, and advanced MS365capability
· The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and navigate complex organisational landscapes. In return, you’ll join a supportive,forward‑thinking team at the heart of organisational change, with opportunities to innovate, lead and make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead and deliver major transformation programmes aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, ensuring they achieve measurable benefits for the organisation and communities.
· Establish and manage robust governance, risk, and decision making frameworks across programmes and interdependent projects.
· Oversee integrated planning, managing milestones, interdependencies, resources, and budgets (including capital and revenue) to ensure successful programme delivery.
· Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, influencing strategy and providing clear, persuasive communication on progress, risks, and benefits.
· Build strong relationships and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders, elected members, suppliers, and partners to secure buy in and resolve conflicts.
· Drive continuous improvement, ensuring lessons learned, performance monitoring, compliance with organisational standards, and best practice programme management methodologies.
About You:
· Significant experience leading large scale, complex change programmes, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
· Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, Agile, or equivalent, alongside a relevant degree or equivalent professional training.
· Proven ability to manage multiple interdependent projects, delivering measurable outcomes while navigating ambiguity and complexity.
· Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, and external partners.
· Demonstrable experience managing substantial budgets (£1m+) and allocating resources effectively across programmes and portfolios.
· Advanced proficiency in programme management tools and Microsoft 365, coupled with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and leadership capabilities.
What we offer:
· A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
· Hybrid and flexible working options
· An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
· Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Nicky Denston, Head of Transformation and Programme Management, nicky.denston@stoke.gov.uk