Senior Project Manager (Major Projects)

1. Main purpose

1.1 The Project Manager is responsible for managing the successful delivery of a

range of development projects in a timely and effective manner to achieve the

council’s objective of using redevelopment to benefit the community and

improve council services.

1.2 Manage complex build projects within existing communities and urban contexts,

leading them from initial concept through to successful completion.

1.3 Prepare and maintain detailed project plans, manage budgets, commission and

oversee professional teams and consultants, and ensure projects are delivered

on time, on budget, and to a high standard.

1.4 Be responsible for identifying funding sources, coordinating with internal

departments and external partners, and driving forward progress in line with

strategic goals.

1.5 Lead and drive delivery of major and complex projects to programme and on

budget.

1.6 Negotiate effectively with key players in the industry and decision-making

bodies, while also communicating clearly and coordinating a wide group of

community stakeholders.

1. Main duties and responsibilities

2.1 Manage the delivery of redevelopment and community projects allocated and

provide high-level professional, managerial direction and leadership input to

make significant impacts within the borough.

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2.2 Meet with business managers and stakeholders, attend management and

relevant stakeholder and community meetings, briefings, workshops etc, driving

forward change within the organisation, as part of a planned approach to

communicating the programme process and securing support for projects

objectives and delivery.

2.3 Led the end to end delivery and manage capital projects, ensuring project

delivery on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and

ensure that all commercial and technical performance standards are achieved.

2.4 Draw up and maintain robust project covering all stages of project development

and delivery, requiring the co-ordination of different service areas that may have

significant impact on areas of the council’s operation and other related external

services, while gaining the support of all participants through persuasion and

negotiation.

2.5 Monitor and control the progress of projects including

• identifying and managing associated finances,
• risks and issues in accordance with best practice in project management

principles,

• addressing and taking corrective action where required to ensure delivery

against project plans.

2.6 Select project participants, with assistance from the Head of Major Projects;

• manage project team members and make a substantial contribution to the

development of inter-agency working, to secure project achievement and

influence future organisational arrangements.

• Project teams will normally include professional staff and specialists outside

the post holder’s professional remit.

• Commission and manage the work of consultants to provide professional

services on the project, as required.

2.7 To understand and administer consultant and construction contracts.

2.8 Ensure internal and/or external funding sources for projects are identified and

secured through funding bids and or approval processes, and manage project

budgets and other financial resources associated with the project.

2.9 Contribute to the development or review of the council’s strategic plans affected

by the redevelopment projects allocated to the post holder.

2.10 To advise high-level decision-making bodies and/or senior officers and report on

projects progress to project boards, governing bodies, members of the council

and senior officers.

2.11 Develop a culture of openness and transparency, ensuring the participation of

key stakeholders, user and the general public where appropriate. Ensure

effective communications between users, design teams, contractors and other

stakeholders.

2.12 Establish, in consultation with relevant bodies, groups and interested parties, a

range of measures including performance indicators, audit methodology to

ensure that the council can measure the effectiveness, progress (against

delivery milestones), efficiency and success of specific projects and provide

information to internal audiences and for external scrutiny.

2.13 For the programme within which the project sits, ensure the overall benefits are

identified, defined clearly, are measurable, linked to strategic outcomes and

managed proactively to benefits realisation.

2.14 Provide professional advice as required to officers across the council and

represent the council at a variety of forums, including attendance as an expert

witness, in all relevant actions to do with programme, projects and property

matters.

Financial responsibilities

2.15 Manage project finances, secure funding sources, and ensure full compliance

with council procedures and policies.

2.15 Ensure effective financial management, cost controls and income maximisation

of all projects and programmes.

Governance

2.16 Work to ensure that legal, financial, procedural and other provisions governing

the affairs of the council are properly observed and that appropriate action is

taken to protect the best interests of the Council.

Procurement

2.17 Oversee the procurement and contract management of agreements for the

provision of major, complex and high value projects in accordance with the

Council’s Standing Orders, Scheme of Management and legislation.

Risk

2.18 Ensure that operational risks are considered and appropriate actions are

taken and reporting are put into place to manage these.

2.19 Work remotely, visiting sites (which will also be construction sites) with

minimum supervision.

Data & Technology

2.20 Use technology effectively with colleagues to improve the effectiveness and

efficiency of services delivered

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2.21 Be responsible for ensuring the data quality of all information related to the

duties of the post and record on the systems used.

Commissioning, Contacts and Relationship Management

2.22 Ensure that contracted services are able to meet contractual obligations and are

efficiently delivering on and satisfying the Council’s statutory and internal

responsibilities as required.

2.23 Represent the council at stakeholder meetings, briefings, and high-level forums,

providing expert advice and clear project updates.

2.24 Champion community engagement and ensure meaningful consultation to

deliver inclusive and locally supported outcomes.

Members

2.25 Prepare briefings for Elected Members, Chief Officers and other senior officers

as required.

Council vision and values

2.26 Contribute to the promotion of Merton Council’s visions and missions, including

adopting a “One Team” approach. Role model the values and behaviours of the

organisation and be an ambassador for and represent the Council at all times

2.27 Ensure at all times that a corporate view is adopted and prepare responses to

enquiries, FOIs and complaints (both internal and external) in a timely manner.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

2.28 Be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and comply with the Council’s

equality related policies/procedures, and to treat others with fairness and

respect.

Health & Safety

2.29 Ensure that the Corporate and Departmental Health and safety policies

are implemented at all times and to raise any concerns regarding their operation

or any health and safety matter with the appropriate senior line manager.

Other

2.30 Perform any other duties that may be reasonably be required commensurate

with the salary and grade.

Work style

2.31 Willingness to adhere to the Council’s office / place of work attendance

policy which is currently 60% in the workplace (unless otherwise advised).

Deputising

2.31 Provide cover for Head of Major Projects as required