Job Description

Melksham Town Council is seeking an experienced and visionary Project Manager to help drive forward our strategic priorities and deliver real impact for the community.

This is a full-time leadership role offering the opportunity to shape major council projects, oversee key partnerships, and lead a high-performing team.

JOB PURPOSE

The main purpose of the role is:

To provide strong, visible, and strategic leadership across the Council projects, facilities and partnerships. To lead and deliver key strategic initiatives, supporting the Chief Executive in achieving the Council's corporate priorities and operational goals. To manage projects and transformation programmes that improve services and outcomes for the community. To deputise for the Chief Executive, ensuring effective leadership and continuity of decision making in their absence. To maintain high standards of corporate governance, compliance, and performance across allocated service areas. Lead and manage a high-performing team.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes but are not limited to:

Corporate Management:

Provide high-level leadership to ensure the successful delivery of the Council's strategic objectives, aligning departmental activity with corporate priorities. Lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders across local government, statutory partners, and community organisations. Act as a key advisor to the Chief Executive, producing strategic briefings, reports, and recommendations to support executive decision-making. Champion a high-performance culture, promoting innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility. Demonstrate strategic leadership through effective performance management, fostering a proactive culture of continuous improvement, and maintaining high levels of accountability across teams and projects.

Project and Programme Delivery:

Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects ranging from routine to complex and service improvements. Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed standards, using recognised methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma). Develop detailed project reports, risk assessments, and dashboards for presentation to the Chief Executive. Drive cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement to support the successful delivery of major initiatives. Drive innovation, efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making in service delivery and organisational performance.

Customer Service and Community Impact:

Lead the development and implementation of a customer-first service strategy, embedding high standards of service delivery, responsiveness, and accountability. Use data and public feedback to evaluate service performance, implement improvements, and deliver better outcomes for residents and service users. Promote the Council's values through effective public engagement, communications, and consultation activity. Customer Relations is accountable for delivering key customer service initiatives and projects, with a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes aligned to KPIs, including customer satisfaction, first contact resolution, response times, and service improvement delivery

Governance and Compliance:

Preparation of reports and documentation for Council and Committee meetings, ensuring they meet all legislative and procedural requirements Maintain strong governance frameworks to support transparency, risk management, and informed decision-making. Ensure Council operations comply with all legal, financial, procurement, and regulatory obligations, and promote ethical and sustainable practices. The Project Manager ensures adherence to governance, risk management, and compliance requirements across all project activities, including accurate documentation, procurement integrity, and audit-readiness, to support transparent and accountable project delivery. Ensure the Council's website is regularly updated with all relevant information in accordance with legislative and statutory requirements.

Financial and Contract Management

Effective project management ensures that initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget, while maintaining quality. Support the Council's financial planning processes, including input to budget setting, cost monitoring, and value-for-money assessments. Follow procurement activity across projects and services, ensuring contracts are legally compliant and commercially sound. Monitor financial performance of projects, providing regular reports and forecasts to the Chief Executive. Identify, prepare, and manage grant funding applications to secure external resources that support Council projects and strategic initiatives.

Other Responsibilities

To act as a representative of the Council as required, including attending meetings, positively promoting the Council within the local community and being one of the Council's public-facing contacts. To work in a way that does not divulge personal and/or confidential information and follow the Council's policies and procedures in relation to data protection and security of information. To promote equality, diversity, and inclusion and being aware of your own actions and those of others. All employees are responsible for eliminating unfair and unlawful discrimination in everything that they do. To attend training courses and conferences/workshops that support the role, and that contribute to personal and professional development. To maintain personal electronic timecard (ETC) and fully utilise the HR personnel portal Performing any other relevant duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Council.

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades C/4 or above (or equivalent), including Mathematics and English. A minimum Level 5 qualification (e.g. Diploma, Foundation Degree) in a relevant subject area such as Project Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related discipline. Alternatively, candidates with significant relevant professional experience may also be considered. Professional project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma). IOSH Working Safely certification is required.
Desirable:

Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or willingness to complete within 18 months. Relevant leadership or management qualification NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certification is essential, demonstrating a strong understanding of health and safety principles in the workplace.

Work Experience

Essential:

A minimum of five years' experience in facilities management within a multi-site environment, demonstrating the ability to manage diverse locations effectively. Proven experience in overseeing facility maintenance, repairs, and renovation projects, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and service delivery. Strong working knowledge of health and safety regulations, with a track record of maintaining compliance across all operational activities. Demonstrated experience in budget management, including planning, monitoring, and controlling costs, as well as procurement of services and supplies. Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment while achieving operational objectives.

General Skills, Knowledge, and Aptitude

Essential:

Strong leadership and management skills. Sound knowledge of facilities, management principles and best practices. Excellent understanding of Office 365 applications Able to respond effectively to changing priorities Able to show initiative and be forward-thinking Able to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, and work effectively with minimal management, guidance, or supervision Able to work under pressure to meet targets and deadlines Good attention to detail and problem-solving Willing to work flexibly outside of normal office hours as required
Desirable:

Non-Domestic building H & S and Fire Compliance Health & Safety Local Government

Communication Skills

Essential:

Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams and influence at all levels Excellent verbal and written communication skills Good listener and communicator

Personal Qualities and Other

Essential:

Possession of a current full UK driving licence Personal integrity and trustworthiness Self-motivated Well-presented and smart appearance Willing to learn and undertake any training as deemed appropriate Willingness to work as part of a team Willing to work flexibly and attend events outside of normal office hours as required

T's & C's

Salary: 48,226 - 51,356 per annum by annual increment (subject to satisfactory performance) depending on qualifications and experience

National Pay Scale SCP 37-40

Full time 37 hours per week

Onsite based at Melksham Town Hall

23 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day (rising to 26 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day after 5 years' continuous service) (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme (Wiltshire Pension Fund)

Flexible Working Arrangements considered

Recruitment Process

Closing date

: 4th January 2026

Interviews

: Wednesday 14th January 2026 - details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Application is strictly via the application form contained in this pack.

Please do not send a generic CV. Completed applications should be returned via email to: people@melksham-tc.gov.uk

More information about Melksham Town Council can be found on their website at: https://www.melksham-tc.gov.uk/

If you would like an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact our CEO, Hayley Bell, at ceo@melksham-tc.gov.uk

As we are seeking the right candidate for this post to start as soon as possible, Melksham Town Council reserves the right to withdraw this job advertisement without prior notice.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 48,226.00-51,356.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Sick pay
Work Location: In person