This is a full time fixed term role for 12 months.

Job Purpose
Leads the delivery of SELEP's capital programme according to the direction of SELEP Accountability Board (managed by the post holder) and local partners. This includes the delivery of the remainder of SELEP's £570million Local Growth Fund (LGF) capital programme, £50 million Growing Places Fund (GPF) loan scheme, £85m Getting Building Fund (GBF) and £500,000 p.a. Sector Support Fund (SSF).

In ensuring the delivery of the SELEP capital programme, the post holder will be required to manage a comprehensive suite of investments implemented by local partners; developing a close working relationship with senior officers and elected members in partner authorities, encouraging a mutual sense of ownership and support; becoming a centre of knowledge on all current and potential major capital investments across the SELEP area, and responding quickly to requests for information from SELEP and Government. The post holder has chief responsibility to provide high quality information to the SELEP Accountability Board and Strategic Board to enable them to perform the oversight role they have on outcomes and outputs. The role also provides the first port of call for Government departments about SELEP's capital programme and must be fully cognisant of the financial position.

The post holder will operate at a strategic level to advice on investment decisions, lead senior staff from partner councils through management of the capital programme and will be responsible for the management of SELEP's relationships with organisations such as Highways England who will be in direct receipt of SELEP funding. The post holder will manage large consultant contracts to support independent technical evaluation of projects which will assess deliverability and value for money and support capital programme management activity.

The postholder will manage the SELEP capital programme in the line with the National Assurance Framework and is responsible for the direct management of three Capital Programme Officers.

Top class report writing skills and an adeptness in handling financial information are essential attributes in this role.

Service/Functional Accountabilities
Ultimate responsibility for correct and timely deployment of the capital programme budget and management in respect of both finances and SELEP's achievement of the associated outcomes expected by Government.

To be chief responsible officer for SELEP Accountability Board and to play into the SELEP Strategic Board, providing advice and the information to Upper Tier Authority Leaders and Senior Business Representatives to support their decision making on the capital programme.

To take a leading role in the development of project pipelines across the South East, where SELEP involvement is mandated, ensuring consolidated and consistent approach to assessing them.

To manage the reporting on the delivery of the SELEP capital programmes to SELEP Strategic Board and Accountability Board, and manage all funding decisions to the Boards in relation to LGF, GBF and GPF projects.

To hold an accurate record of all LGF, GBF and GPF grant payments, manage the grant transfer process and to oversee the development of legal agreements, including credit agreements and service level agreements, for the transfer of all payments.

To ensure the proper assessment, management and mitigation of risk across the whole portfolio of projects, including project change control and to lead on the development of an evaluation process to be enacted across the whole portfolio.

To lead and co-ordinate regular meetings of capital programme managers to support programme management and to lead communications with Government officials. To demonstrate freedom of thought and innovation in helping local partners navigate requirements of Government.

To manage the Independent Technical Evaluator and to procure and manage any additional resource to support capital programme management, within constraints of SELEP's revenue budget.

To directly line manage the three SELEP Capital Programme Officers.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Educated to degree level or equivalent or substantial relevant experience.

Experience of relationship management in a challenging public or private sector setting

Relevant experience of project/programme management and of successfully delivering outcomes in a complex environment

Skills in understanding and responding to different perspectives and taking a cross organisational perspective.

Demonstrable networking and relationship management skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Accomplished presenter and fluent written communication skills

Confident in interpreting, analysing and presenting evidence and data.

Able to work with senior business people, politicians and senior local authority officers.

Experience or an understanding of governance matters in the public or private sector

Experience of working in a political environment

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0333 013 5888.