Project Manager (WECA membership)

This is a secondment opportunity available to existing North Somerset Council Staff only. Please ensure you have the permission of your line manager before applying.

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

An exciting opportunity to be part of the discussions on North Somerset Council’s potential membership of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

We are seeking an experienced and organised Project Manager to coordinate activity and inputs across NSC and partners, ensuring that the council is well prepared and positioned to maximise the benefits of devolution for our residents, businesses and places.

The Project Manager role will particularly focus on the programme management of the membership process, but will also engage in policy research, drafting of documents and stakeholder/public engagement as required. You will attend meetings with internal and external partners to track and move forward progress, and will assist in preparing and running public consultations and engagement.

You will be based in a small team, working to a Senior Project Manager under the supervision of the Head of Sustainable Place and Growth. However the project will require matrix-working across the council as a whole, including working with members of the Cabinet and Corporate Leadership Team, and with WECA and government colleagues.

Appointment at the higher grade within the career grade will depend on evidence of being able to undertake work without close supervision, the relevant level of qualification and experience, and a track record of being pro-active in delivering project streams.

This is a great opportunity for a talented member of staff to further develop their understanding of our wider organisation, priorities and partnerships, and we look forward to your application.

A detailed list of expected responsibilities and activities is provided in the Job Description.

Workstyle

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more or less frequently, this may be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• Up to 2 - 3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

The post holder must be able to travel across North Somerset and the West of England and will on occasion be required to attend events outside of normal working hours, by agreement.

About You

We are looking in particular for an individual who, alongside the necessary experience and qualifications, possesses the following skills and experience:

• Excellent organisational skills, with experience of successfully delivering complex projects with multiple stakeholders and drivers for change.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of local government and systems, with a strong sense of political awareness.
• Experience of working with elected members and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent and effective communication skills.
• Reliability, motivation and resilience under pressure.

Please see the Person Specification for full details of requirements.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Jenny Ford, Head of Sustainable Places & Growth, at jenny.ford@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.