Job Description

JOIN CAMBRIDGESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE AS A PROGRAMME OFFICER

37,280 - 39,152 pa 37 Hours per week Fixed term for two years Huntingdon Hybrid Working (Minimum 2 days per week office based - we offer a flexible, agile, hybrid working pattern where you can work from home, as well as from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service and other locations around Cambridgeshire, to meet the team and organisations' needs).

Take your career further with a Service that puts people first.

Being part of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) isn't just about fighting fires - it's also about making a difference through innovation and collaboration. We're looking for a skilled and motivated Programme Officer to help shape our future.

This is your chance to apply your skills where it really matters. If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference whilst growing your career, CFRS could be the perfect place for you.

About the Role:

As a Programme Officer you will be instrumental in supporting and guiding the effective delivery of projects across CFRS. You'll help shape and embed project governance and methodology, ensure alignment with strategic goals and support the development of a project management culture across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead project start-up phases, including drafting Project Briefs and Business Cases. Support Project Managers with documentation, risk management, and delivery planning. Apply and promote CFRS's programme and project governance frameworks. Provide expert training, coaching and advice in project management disciplines. Facilitate effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. Maintain key documentation (risk logs, change logs, lessons learned, etc.). Support Programme and Project Boards with meeting preparation and tracking of actions. Line manage allocated employees, supporting development and performance. Maintain oversight of project interdependencies and monitor progress against key milestones.

About You:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, but ideally, we're after someone who possesses the following knowledge, skills and experience:

PRINCE2 qualified or possess significant relevant project management experience. Proven experience in successfully planning, managing, and delivering projects to meet quality, time, and cost objectives. Skilled in scoping projects, breaking them down into key milestones and work packages. Strong understanding of project management processes, including governance, options appraisal, risk and issue management, and configuration control. Demonstrated experience of financial and budgetary control, including invoice processing, commitment tracking, and reconciliation. Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to at least an intermediate level, with a willingness to embrace technology. Experience in servicing meetings, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and action tracking. Confident in chairing and facilitating meetings, workshops, and presentations. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage a range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience of coaching and supporting project teams, including advising on tools, techniques, and best practices. Ability to manage or supervise employees, including planning, delegating, and coordinating their activities. Office and administrative management experience.

Why Choose CFRS?

At CFRS, our people are our greatest strength. We take pride in our culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development.

A Service that values you:

94%

of our employees care about the future of CFRS

88%

are proud to work for CFRS

78%

would recommend CFRS as a great place to work

A culture that inspires and motivates:

81%

of our people would still like to be working here in two years' time

83%

feel motivated to give their best every day

82%

are satisfied with CFRS as an employer

Opportunities for growth

- whether it's learning new technologies, leading projects, or gaining industry certifications, we support professional development every step of the way.

A culture of innovation and inclusion

- we foster an environment where your ideas matter, and where every individual is valued, included, and empowered to excel.

When You Join CFRS, You'll Benefit From:

Career progression & specialist training - Whether you want to develop new skills, gain qualifications, or advance into leadership, we'll give you the opportunities to grow. Health & wellbeing support - Your wellbeing matters. We provide access to mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Programme, and occupational health services to support you throughout your career. A culture of inclusion & belonging - We don't expect you to fit a mould - we want you to bring your whole self to the job. As a Disability Confident Employer, we're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, with inclusion ambassadors and networks in place to champion every member of our team.
Additional Rewards & Benefits

24 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service Competitive pension scheme Family-friendly policies, including flexible working Hybrid working options Free on-site parking (site-specific) Access to Blue Light Discounts at hundreds of retailers and events

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please send your CV and Covering Letter (detailing your suitability for the role against the person specification - see the recruitment pack) to recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk
The recruitment pack can be found at: https://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/media/4236/programme-officer-support-recruitment-pack.pdf Complete the EDI monitoring form here: https://forms.office.com/e/srAda6iumi
*Please note any CVs submitted without a Covering Letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 12noon 17th November 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 37,280.00-39,152.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Store discount
Application question(s):

Do you hold a full, current driving licence? (Reasonable adjustment will be made for disabled candidates within the requirements of the Equality Act. However, it is essential that the successful candidate can travel to any part of the county in addition to their contractual base, on a weekly basis).
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Huntingdon PE29 2NA