Job Description

Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we are seeking dynamic, innovative individuals to join our team. If you are passionate about making a real impact, driving positive change, and contributing to the success of County Durham, this is your opportunity to be at the heart of something exceptional.



We are looking for a Project Support Officer to join the team until 31 March 2028.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

The role is a complex and challenging one that will be highly rewarding and high profile, with extensive communication and interfacing with stakeholders and officers at all levels. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills and high levels of energy, stamina, and tenacity.



The role will be located at The Rivergreen Centre, Durham, though there will be a requirement to work with teams across other sites within the County.



The post holder will be responsible for:
Supporting project managers in project managing complex projects and programmes of work including monitoring delivery and implementation. Supporting project managers to develop business cases, plans, activities, and processes to ensure best practice and to meet Council objectives, often in a continually changing environment. Supporting project managers to ensure that the corporate approach is embedded across the Council. Supporting project managers in driving improvements within internal and customer facing services and processes. Leading small teams in project management for non-complex projects or workstreams to ensure the application of best practice for the Council.
We encourage you to contact Abbie McQuillan, Team Leader, Senior Project Manager via email at abbie.mcquillan@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

APM Introductory Certificate PFQ and/or PRINCE2 Foundation level or equivalent Experience of supporting a project manager in developing a business case including project level planning and people management including building rapport, motivation, empowerment, performance management and development and managing conflict resolution.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on Monday 10 November 2025.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS

We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year). Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

SOCIAL MEDIA

Dont see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!



Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/


Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

HYBRID WORKING

Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.




We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.



As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.



Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

HOW TO APPLY

In line with the County Councils Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.




Please use the Person Specification section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.




If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentCES@durham.gov.uk or

telephone 03000 262727 - Option 6.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.



We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf