Network Programme Manager - Working for Essex

About the role

Network Programme Manager

Permanent, Full Time

£60,362 to £71,014 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 6th December 2026

*Please note this is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work in the Chelmsford office 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Essex is growing in population and ambition, with significant opportunities for economic growth and prosperity. The Network Development team plays a key role in planning for and responding to this growth, working with teams from across the Council and with our partners to provide a transport network that meets the needs of existing and future communities and supports economic, social, environmental and health outcomes.

The team is responsible for managing the Council’s pipeline of future transport projects, for monitoring how the network of over 5000 miles of roads are used across Essex and for developing our transport modelling capability. We secure funding for and support the planning and delivery of a range of transport schemes, including the Council’s biggest capital projects. Working closely with suppliers, other local authorities, government departments, developers and transport partners, we plan strategically, secure stakeholder support and address challenges to achieve the best outcomes for residents and businesses.

The Network Programme Manager is responsible for leading on a number of projects and initiatives that form part of Essex County Council's future transport programme, ensuring investment decisions, project governance and delivery arrangements support sustainable growth and deliver value for residents, businesses and communities. We are looking for a team player, with a sound knowledge of transport planning or a related discipline and a pro-active, ‘can do’ attitude. In return you will have the opportunity to work across a number of areas and gain skills and experience in a supportive and progressive local authority setting.

Accountabilities

Transport pipeline – Ensure the Council maintains a robust, prioritised and evidence-led pipeline of transport schemes that supports corporate priorities, secures external funding and delivers demonstrable benefits for Essex residents and businesses. Support the identification, development and submission of business cases and funding bids to government and external funding bodies, following best practice guidance and liaising with legal and finance colleagues to secure sign offs.
Programme management – Providing programme management for the Council’s largest transport infrastructure projects, each valued at up to £80m, including schemes which have secured Housing Infrastructure Funding and Major Road Network funding.
Financial reporting – Support programme budgeting, monitoring and forecasting activities to ensure funding is managed effectively and investment decisions are evidence based.
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects – Providing input to highway-related NSIPs, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, working closely with scheme promoters including National Highways. Contributing to briefings to senior officers and members on these projects.
Monitoring and modelling capability – Champion the use of transport data, monitoring, evidence-based analysis and modelling evidence to inform investment decisions, policy development and scheme appraisal. This should draw on best practice from elsewhere and external expertise as necessary.
Governance and commercial administration – Manage formal and informal governance processes, taking account of relevant guidance and requirements, while supporting budget management, value for money, record keeping and key administrative requirements.
Stakeholder management and coordination – Provide professional leadership across project teams, suppliers and stakeholders, driving collaboration and influencing outcomes without direct managerial authority. Lead engagement with key external stakeholders such as other Essex Councils, Transport East, and National Highways.
Research and evaluation – Undertake research, assessment and evaluation of a range of topics to support the work of the team. This could include, for example, the transport functions of Mayoral Strategic Authorities, the challenges and opportunities for the freight industry in Essex and best practice for the planning of major transport schemes.

The Experience You Will Bring

Degree level qualification (RQF Level 6) or equivalent experience
Significant experience in transport planning or a related discipline, with demonstrable knowledge of current issues within the sector
Programme or project management experience
Stakeholder management experience
Strong analytical and communication skills
Understanding of governance and public sector processes

Desirable:

Sound political awareness, and experience of working with elected members and political representatives
Knowledge of WebTAG, DfT funding processes and/or business case development
Experience of managing transport modelling commissions
Experience of securing external grant funding
Chartered status or working towards accreditation

To read more about us please visit:

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we are dedicated to making a positive difference for residents, communities and businesses across the county. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Greater Essex has been accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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