Job Description

Project Support (Internal title: Strategic Planning Officer) (Maternity Cover)

Professional 2A


Publish date: 19 September 2025


Closing date: 13 October 2025 at 12 noon


Salary: 44075 - 46142


Hours: Full Time


Overview


West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.


Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.


This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.


Do you thrive on turning strategy into action? Are you motivated by helping complex organisations deliver measurable outcomes and continuous improvement? West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Strategic Planning Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Performance team.


This is a pivotal role at the heart of WMFS, supporting the delivery of our strategic priorities and ensuring projects and programmes are effectively planned, governed, and aligned to organisational objectives. You will work closely with senior leaders, project managers, and teams across the Service, embedding best practice in programme management, risk oversight, and benefits realisation.


With a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement, you will be helping WMFS to not only achieve but exceed its ambitions, ensuring our communities remain safer, stronger, and healthier.


Responsibilities


Develop and maintain robust project governance processes, including planning, milestones, scope definition, financial controls, and change management


provide guidance, tools, and assurance to senior officers and project teams to drive consistency and efficiency in project delivery


monitor and report on programme benefits, demonstrating measurable impact and alignment with strategic goals


support integration of project and risk management across the organisation, maintaining oversight of corporate risk registers


build strong relationships with leaders and teams to promote collaboration, innovation, and best practice in strategic project delivery


contribute to the design, development, and enhancement of WMFS project management systems and methodologies


stay informed of emerging trends and tools in programme and portfolio management, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement


support wider Strategy team initiatives to ensure corporate objectives are delivered effectively.


Experience and skills


We are looking for someone with:


A strong understanding of project and programme management principles and processes


excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders


experience in project governance, benefits realisation, and risk management


strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making


proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Planner, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint


a collaborative mindset, with the ability to build relationships across teams and drive continuous improvement.


Essential skills or experience


Qualification and/or significant experience in project or programme management


evidence of continued professional development


ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in line with organisational goals.



Desirable skills or experience


Membership of a professional body such as the Association for Project Management (APM)


experience influencing senior executives and aligning projects with broader business change


passion for continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery.

Special Requirements

Occasional travel to other WMFS sites may be required


there may be occasional requirements to work outside normal office hours to support organisational priorities.



Benefits


We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:


Flexible and agile working arrangements


free, on-site gym facilities


free, on-site parking.


We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.


In addition, employees have access to:


24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


wellbeing programmes


'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes


Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.


Diversity


We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.


WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.


Please be aware that priority will be given to members of staff on our redeployment list.


Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.


How to apply


To apply, please send your CV and answer the questions, outlining previous experience, to outline your suitability for the role.


Questions


If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Mathew Ward on 07973810836 or by email at mathew.ward@wmfs.net.