Head of Projects (Maternity Cover)

HEAD OF PROJECTS (Maternity Cover)

REPORTING TO: PROGRAMMES DIRECTOR

FUNDED BY: European Regional Development Fund

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: ERDF PROJECT MANAGERS

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Programme Manager BRITE, Programme Manager CRL, Partnerships Director, Head of Operations 

External: Contract Managers at MHCLG and GLA, Head of Economic Development University of Brighton

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To oversee the project management of the ERDF Brighton Research and Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE) programme and the ERDF Central Research Lab programme, working with the Project Managers to ensure that the objectives and outputs are fully met in an effective and timely manner. 

To develop new project opportunities and implement cross-organisational process and process for emergent projects. 

MAIN DUTIES:

Key responsibilities include:

ERDF Projects 

• Maintenance of existing project management systems and processes
• Development of project management systems and processes in emergent areas of project delivery or compliance 
• Monitoring of ERDF compliant systems and ensuring ongoing compliance to emergent regulations
• Cross checking ERDF quarterly claims and reporting
• Supporting PMs to ensure Plus X ERDF Procurement and State Aid compliance
• Leads on monitoring cross-cutting themes and project summative assessments.
• Monitoring performance against project plans to ensure delivery of outputs within budgets, to agreed timescales
• Monitoring overall spend to ensure project operates within agreed budget
• Create accurate status reports for the Leadership team and Governance / Steering Group
• Oversight of the risk register, ensuring an effective escalation process is in place at all times
• Oversee relationship with MHCLG and GLA, liaising with them on project strategy 
• Responsibility for PCRs and audits when necessary
• Line management of Project Managers
• To explore opportunities to develop and create positive project legacies.

PX Projects 

• Seeking opportunities for developing new projects
• Working closely with the grant writers to develop compelling applications and ensure and maximise strategic fit of future funded projects 
• Maintaining knowledge of strategic funds across the public sector
• Developing relationships with potential funders
• Implementing project management processes for new programmes and projects 

KEY RESULT AREAS:

• Successful completion and closure of ERDF projects 
• Attract new project funding to the Innovation Programmes team of Plus X

PERSONAL & TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide a good role model for staff and trainees and project a positive image to internal and external contacts and customers
• Demonstrate the Company’s culture, values and behaviours:
• Take responsibility for own self-development on a continuous basis.
• Carry out responsibilities with due regard to the Data Protection Act and current Data Protection policy
• Carry out responsibilities with due regard to the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy and
• Environmental Policy
• Work at all times within the code of the Health & Safety Act
• This job description is not comprehensive or exclusive and duties may be varied from time to time, but these will not change the general character or level of responsibility of the job. This job description and your performance will be regularly reviewed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Expert experience in public funded project management, including at least 5 in ERDF, preferably with some of it in the private sector
• Successful track record of managing multiple large projects, including capital and revenue funded projects, and partnership projects
• Ability to use ERDF specialist tools and documents (e.g. eClaim, claim documents)
• Ability to use specialist business accounting software (e.g. Xero)
• Educated to degree level in an appropriate field (Project Management, Management, Economics, Public Policy, Innovation) or recognised PM qualification eg. PMI, PMP.
• Line management experience
• Experience of SME support for innovation
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and effective communication with colleagues and senior managers.