Job description

6 month contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• Interim Financial Improvement Project Manager role supporting the delivery of Slough Borough Council’s Finance Improvement Programme (circa 37 transformation projects).

• Responsible for planning, governance, delivery, and assurance of complex projects aligned to the Council’s Corporate and Recovery Plan.

• Ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve intended benefits, while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and compliance with public sector standards.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Support the definition, planning, execution, and closure of multiple transformation projects.

• Maintain programme plans, dependencies, critical paths, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Oversee risk and issue management, ensuring timely resolution and escalation.

• Provide mentoring and guidance on project management best practice.

• Lead project governance, ensuring audit trails, compliance, and assurance processes are in place.

• Prepare and deliver clear, transparent reporting to senior stakeholders (CLT, DLT, Members, Commissioners).

• Support recovery work by identifying underperformance and implementing corrective actions.

• Manage project budgets and supplier engagement where required.

• Collaborate across directorates and with external partners to ensure effective delivery.

• Support change management and ensure successful adoption of transformation initiatives.

• Contribute to benefits realisation tracking and continuous improvement through lessons learned.

• Ensure alignment with statutory guidance, Best Value duty, and relevant financial standards.

Skills/Experience:

• Proven experience in project management within complex organisations (public sector/local government desirable).

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with senior leaders and political stakeholders.

• Demonstrable experience in programme governance, risk, and change management.

• Ability to lead and influence multi-disciplinary teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience managing project budgets and delivering value for money.

• Knowledge of financial improvement or transformation programmes (desirable).

• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, P3O, APM) or equivalent experience.

• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (desirable).

Additional Information:

• Bi-Weekly Payments.

• Location: Slough Borough Council (Hybrid – 2 days in office).

• Contract: Interim (01/04/2026 – 30/09/2026).

• Hours: 40 hours per week.

• IR35 Status: Inside IR35.