Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Challenge, inspire and support change across all directorates.

Join our brand new Corporate Project Management Office (PMO) and help shape the future of project delivery across the Council! As a pioneering team, we're embedding consistent project and programme management practices, strengthening governance, and building capability through expert guidance, training, and tools. We provide clear project reporting for greater visibility, increase project management capacity for priority initiatives, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic new function at the heart of organisational change-where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact.

Drive change that makes a real difference for Gateshead.

What you'll get to do:

We are recruiting a Project Manager who will work across all Council services, supporting Strategic and Service Directors to deliver both service-level and corporate objectives aligned with Gateshead Council's Corporate Plan. You will have the opportunity to:

Drive Council-wide Transformation and Improvement

• Lead and support projects identified as corporate priorities, ensuring they drive innovation, efficiency, and measurable improvement across services.
• Project manage reviews and transformation projects to identify new, effective, and value-for-money ways of delivering services.
• Challenge existing processes, business models and approaches, especially in areas facing significant policy change, high cost or high demand.

Shape Strategic Decision Making

• Conduct corporate analysis and deep-dive evaluations using both qualitative and quantitative evidence to support informed, robust decision making.
• Provide proactive, professional advice to the Leadership Team to influence strategic direction and operational improvements.
• Support and advise Elected Members and senior officers on legislative changes, new policies and emerging programmes, ensuring the Council responds effectively and consistently with corporate priorities.

Support Service Improvement and Change

• Develop responses to complex corporate issues by working across services, partner organisations and external bodies.
• Contribute to the Council's wider approach to public service improvement, including strengthening performance management and frameworks for assessment and continuous improvement.

Work Flexibly Across the Organisation

• Provide support across all services and directorates as required, adapting to emerging priorities.
• Champion innovation and help embed a culture of creativity, problem-solving and doing the right thing for Gateshead's residents.

What you will bring:

• A recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP) or equivalent experience, with strong capability in project management tools, techniques and delivering successful transformation projects.
• Strong understanding of the local government landscape, including the legislative and policy framework, commissioning models, and the wider context affecting public service delivery.
• Proven experience delivering improvement and change projects, using recognised frameworks and creative problem-solving to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Ability to interpret complex information, data, trends and evidence to inform policy, strategy, and corporate decision-making.
• Experience of managing people in a project environment, including motivating and coordinating cross-service or multidisciplinary teams.
• Senior-level experience within the public sector or a similarly complex organisation, demonstrating confidence working with Directors, elected Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge constructively and present insight clearly to support effective decision making.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary £45,091 - £48,226
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.