We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Programme Support Officer to join our Growth & One Public Estate (OPE) Programme.
In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting initiatives that maximise the value of our shared public sector assets. This includes enabling major service transformation, unlocking land for housing and commercial development, and identifying opportunities to reduce costs while generating income.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on communities, helping to shape sustainable growth and deliver improved public services.
Find out more about Growth & OPE here: One Public Estate - West Sussex County Council and Growth Deals - West Sussex County Council
If you have excellent attention to detail, strong communication abilities and a methodical approach to working through problems, we would like to hear from you!
Salary: £36,363 to £39,152 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed term contract until October 2027. Final start and end dates will be confirmed with the successful candidate.
Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: County Hall, West Street, Chichester PO19 1RQ
Interview Date: Wednesday 12 August and/or Thursday 13 August 2026
Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.
This is predominantly a desk-based role, with the requirement to take frequent phone calls, manage regular interruptions and make occasion site visits.
Regular attendance at your base location will also be necessary, and there will be opportunities for remote work. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate.
You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.
About the Job
As a Programme Support Officer, you will work closely with the Growth Programme Delivery Managers, building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with partner organisations to support the successful delivery of the One Public Estate (OPE), Growth Deal, and District Growth programmes.
No two days are the same in the Growth & One Public Estate Programme, our work is varied, dynamic, and impactful Your key responsibilities will include:
- Delivering effective and efficient daily support to the Project / Programme Manager, including collecting and analysing data to monitor project performance and progress, as well as overseeing and planning available resources.
- Providing daily support and management of information, with active involvement in corporate and/or partnership projects utilising project management principles.
- Planning and overseeing a series of small, related projects; collecting, coordinating, and analysing management information; and supporting the development and organisation of various events, including meetings, seminars, and briefings.
- Essential point of contact: Address complex communications and inquiries referred by the team or through partner and public communication channels, leveraging experience to resolve unexpected issues and provide guidance or recommendations on the appropriate application of regulations and legislation.
- Managing finance, invoices and financial information as well as utilising WSCC corporate management systems to manage data.
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the community, then this role is perfect for you.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or A Higher National Diploma (HND) in appropriate area or equivalent practical experience/range of knowledge.
- Experience in project management processes, procedures, and policies related to working within a high-demand project management and programme delivery environment.
- Sound and accurate IT knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, to effectively analyse information and data and to create electronic presentations, managing invoices, setting up of Purchase orders, using WSCC finance systems and managing financial information.
- Demonstrable experience as a competent team member in a project environment, preferably in a project support role or equivalent.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently build relationships with stakeholders at all levels and provide guidance to colleagues on processes and documentation.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the capacity to proactively identify challenges, resolve issues independently, plan effective solutions, and make informed, practical decisions.
For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.
Rewards and Benefits
We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 27 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme
A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.
For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CPP01395.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Greg Ockwell at [email protected]
For issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected] .
Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV and cover letter.
Your cover letter should:
- Outline your motivations for applying.
- Explain the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the attached job description).
Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and a health check.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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