Graduate/Assistant Project Manager Projects

Who we are:  

Advance Northumberland is a diverse property investment & development business, delivering opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council.

Whether its support for new and developing businesses, the remediation of challenging brownfield sites, building of large-scale manufacturing units, delivering new purpose-built offices, delivery of major town centre redevelopments, including complex retail developments, leisure facilities or the delivery of high-quality market sale and affordable housing it can all be found in this unique regeneration company.

We work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners, delivering positive physical and economic development.  Focusing on the needs and aspirations of the county, addressing economic, housing and infrastructure challenges whilst capitalising on Northumberland’s significant assets and opportunities. We deliver a comprehensive regeneration capability to improve the County’s economic prosperity, regenerate communities, improve liveability and create a more connected and aspirational County.

In doing so, we will support a broader county-wide assets-based approach to promote economic growth and an improved quality of life for its communities. Building on the opportunities emerging from North of the Tyne and Borderlands initiatives to enhance its regeneration impact, taking its lead from Northumberland County Council, and working in collaboration with key partners.

Advance Northumberland’s project team, deliver our own internal capital programme and also carry out work on behalf of NCC to improve Northumberland for businesses and residents. Recent projects have included – leisure centres in Morpeth and Berwick; Cinema complex in Blyth; Redevelopment of Bedlington town centre; Development of the Energy Central learning hub.

The team is small but perfectly formed and we are now seeking to expand the team with the addition of an Assistant / Graduate Project Manager.

OUR VALUES 

Our values are at the centre of our activities, linking to our vision to make Northumberland a wonderful place for people to live work and do business.

· Dedication – passionate and tenacious about delivering for Northumberland.

· Honesty – working to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

· Collaboration – deliver in partnership with Northumberland County Council and organisations across the public and private sectors.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best around! Here is an example below on what you can expect.

Annual leave - Start with 26 days, increasing to 31 days with service. Of course, you’ll have public holidays too!

Pension - Generous employer contributions of 8%. You pay 2%, although you can choose to pay more if you want.

Financial Benefits - Enjoy the security of free life assurance, an employee referral scheme (earning £1,000 per recruited referral), and our Cash plan App with discounts and cashback at top retailers. Free on-site parking at all locations.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Services - Access our colleague assistance programme with 24/7 support, GP services, mental health support and, dental and optical plus a range of other health therapies. We also have a cycle to work scheme and home electronics schemes, both of which are salary exchange, so you pay less National Insurance. We have extensive health campaigns from our award-winning Better Health at work team.

Motoring Benefits - Take advantage of exclusive employee vehicle-leasing schemes, through NHS Fleet.

Hybrid Working – We offer the capacity to work on a hybrid basis, with three days in the office / on site. Of course, initially you might be in the office more, whilst you get to know your colleagues and our activities in more detail.

THE ROLE

Assistant Project Manager

Salary: £24,969 to £33,463 depending on experience

· Reporting to the Senior / Project Manager, assist the Projects Team in the development, planning and implementation of a range of projects varying in value, scale and complexity from feasibility through to completion.

· Assist the Projects Team to ensure the delivery of projects within complex stakeholder environments encompassing a range of sectors (housing, retail, leisure, commercial, industrial) including conversions, refurbishment, new build in the public and private sectors.

· Responding to investor enquiries and support opportunities to meet Advance Northumberland’s goals and objectives identified in the Business Plan.

· Assist in the cultivation of clients in both the public and private sector, through partnership working, consistent delivery and striving to achieve an excellence rating in customer satisfaction

To apply:

Please send a letter of application and your CV, stating why you want to work for us and what you’d bring to the role, together with the completed application form included in this pack. Please send these to: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

For an informal discussion, please contact: Neil Jukes, Head of Project Management on 07951530469

Closing date for applications: 22nd April 2025 at 10.00am

Interviews will be held on 28th April 2025

We may close these vacancies early if we receive sufficient applications.

If you wish to withdraw your consent for us to process your application, please email us at: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Job Descriptions and Person Specifications

Job title: Assistant Project Manager

Reports to: Senior Project Manager / Project Manager

Team members: N/A

Location: Wansbeck Workspace and other locations as part of role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Assist the Director of Projects / Projects team on a range of tasks including:

· The production and monitoring of Project Programmes, Project Issue logs, Project Budget and Project Cashflows ensuring the production of Project Delivery Plans as appropriate to the scale of the project and review periodically

· Supporting the implementation and monitoring of risk assessment, risk mitigation, risk scanning and risk logging

· Arrange meetings with designers, contractors and stakeholders, capture meeting notes and proactively follow up outstanding actions

· Raise purchase orders for project works as required

· Conduct background research, data collection and benchmarking to inform prospective or current project delivery.

· Develop and implement, procurement and stakeholder strategies associated with all

approvals and consents relative to the project and drive the engagement process in accordance with Advance Northumberland procurement and financial regulations and company standards

· Assemble, procure and coordinate project surveys and investigations as deemed necessary.

· Collate data and update monthly project highlight reports

· Implement where possible Advance Northumberland’s added value campaign for local employment, local economy, education and wellbeing.

· Ensure Advance Northumberland’s Health and Safety and Quality Assurance procedures are met at the highest standard.

· Instil and adhere to a strict Change Control through managing project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs.

· Assist the Project Budget Holder / Lead on producing project evaluations and assessment of results.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues

· Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values

· Show commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities

· Ensure a safe and sustainable working environment is promoted across the business

· Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities

· Undertake other reasonable duties as requested

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

You must have:

· A degree in a Construction related discipline, Project Management or similar

· Fully conversant with Microsoft applications (e.g. word, excel, PowerPoint, lists)

· Strategic planning, cost reporting, risk assessment mitigation and management

· Experience in project management software (e.g. MS Project).

· Full UK Driving licence

It would be good but not essential if you also have:

· Demonstrable experience of project management techniques and tools (e.g. Prince2, MSP, Powerproject or similar)

· Practical experience of project delivery management and contingency planning and implementation

· Knowledge / Experience using Viewpoint (Common data environment) and Field view

· AutoCAD Experience and knowledge of Building Information Management