Location: Penrith, Kendal or Barrow
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
The Capital Programme team is responsible for the core delivery of the Council’s c. £80-100m/year Capital Programme developing projects which make a real ‘on the ground’ difference to our communities, places and people in Westmorland and Furness. On a daily basis the programme develops and maintains new council buildings including care homes, schools, community centres and offices; construct’s and maintains highways and cycleways; build new flood defences; work with partners to enable housing development and drive the council’s internal decarbonisation programme for its services.
The Programme Manager Role will support the Council by playing a leading role in the Capital programme Infrastructure Portfolio. The Infrastructure Portfolio is growing and is currently responsible for:
- Marina Village, Barrow - c. £24mil remediation and enabling works
- Sandscale Park Depot – c. £2.5mil Depot to replace services at Salthouse
- Integrated Depot Programme – studies underway in Barrow & Penrith.
- Kendal Parking Programme – study due to commence.
These projects are key for the Council to deliver on its priorities.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for a self-reliant and driven individual who has excellent knowledge of Capital Works Programme and Project management or can apply expertise in an infrastructure or building related discipline to a programme management role.
The candidate will:
- Lead the development and delivery of significant projects and programmes including contributing to the delivery of the Westmorland and Furness Council Plan or allied strategies and plans.
- Design, build and manage exemplary programme and project delivery environments across any or all stages of programme life-cycle.
- Have significant experience of managing public facing projects and programmes subject to high levels of interest by local communities, the media and politicians.
- Have experience of working with a range of external and internal stakeholders including external funding bodies.
- Have extensive knowledge in managing medium to large value service delivery contracts.
- Lead the procurement and management of major contracts or multiple smaller contracts at any or all programme life-cycle stages from initial feasibility to completion and asset handover. This will include the procurement and management of capital works contracts and service contracts.
- Lead and manage a high performing project and programme management team.
- Actively manage, develop and mentor team members.
- Have a relevant degree or equivalent in related professional discipline
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Michelle Davies at [email protected]].
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 13/09/2026
Interview date: w/c 28/09/2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected].
For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
