Opus People Solutions on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council is looking for a Project Support Officer to deliver comprehensive and effective support to all aspects of the programme and project management.

The role is full- time, 37 hrs per week. Partially, working from home.

Might become permanent for a suitable candidate.

As Project Support Officer you will provide software support tools advice to programme team members, to include the use and exploitation of PmPoint, SharePoint, MsProject, Visio and others.

As Project Support Officer you will:

• Establish consistent, fit for purpose processes and working practices across the programme team for key project processes such as status reporting, planning, risk/issue management and change control.
• Embed and operate comprehensive and effective performance reporting processes for programme projects in line with the PM SORP in order to deliver the successful implementation of defined programmes and projects which are part of the programme's outcomes.
• Provide assistance to the programme team in the use and exploitation of the available project management software tools, to include PmPoint, SharePoint, MsProject and Visio. Promote and encourage the benefits of project standards and processes, influence and persuade the programme team and stakeholders of the value of following a disciplined approach and adopting the principles of the PM SORP and Project Management Framework.
• Collecting, analysing and reporting on project specific and comparative management and performance information to meet all stakeholder requirements.
• Contribute to the work of the programme team, providing project management support for business case development, planning and the application of common standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve and/or simplify project processes and seek to remedy these through improved processes, improved compliance or coaching.
• Act as a secretariat for Project Boards, providing professional advice and guidance in the appropriate use of the Programme's Project Management Framework and SORP.
• Provide support to the Unitary Integrated Programme staff in organising events, presenting reports, updating routine monitoring data such as the monthly budget and HR reports and generally maintaining programme data and information.
• To provide support where meetings are taking place with key stakeholders across Northamptonshire and work in locations, where required.

What you will bring to the role:

• Experience using MS Office suite of programmes and SharePoint, plus project specific support tools such as Ms Project, PmPoint and Visio 4
• Knowledge of project / change management concepts and methodologies e.g. LEAN (or equivalent).
• Understanding of change management and its impact on people and processes.
• Understanding of the potential of ICT to deliver service and efficiency improvements.
• Knowledge of project management and organisational change / efficiency programmes.
• Knowledge of working with senior managers and providing challenge to working practices.
• Experience of taking a lead role within a project environment.
• Awareness of the National and Local Government agenda, current issues and challenges.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Degree level or equivalent NVQ qualification or proven relevant experience of supporting business change.
• Formal project management training to at least PRINCE II Foundation level or equivalent.

What we can offer you:

• Holiday entitlement accrued while working
• Pension contribution from employer
• Flexible working hours
• Opus candidates hear about jobs first
• Opportunity to apply for permanent positions as an 'internal candidate'
• Gain experience to support permanent applications