December 2020
| ADVERTISER: Drayton (Abingdon) Parish Council (“PC”) (OX14). |
| VACANCY: Programme Manager on a consultancy services basis, for the delivery of one large construction project, and a variety of other small specialist projects to be delivered under the Drayton Neighbourhood Development Plan (as described below). The PC envisages a one-year initial contract term, but is open to discussing the term of the engagement to best suit both parties. |
| ROLE OVERVIEW: The PC requires an able, resourceful and pro-active Programme Manager to supervise, manage and deliver a number of projects within Drayton village as envisaged by its Neighbourhood Development Plan adopted in 2015 (NDP). Three new housing developments in the village have recently been completed or are ongoing, adding a significant number of houses and village residents. Partly in response to this expansion, the NDP includes a number of projects (collectively named ‘Drayton 2020’) which are designed to bring about much-needed improvements to recreational and other village amenities. These projects have a combined estimated value of around £] million, and are largely funded by the new developments through section 106 or CIL contributions managed by the Vale of White Horse District Council. Key Drayton 2020 projects are: Construction of a new Sports Pavilion, and installation of a multi-use games area and sports pitches, plus new car park. This is the most significant project. The Programme Manager would be managing the principle contractor (a party to be appointed by the PC), rather than managing the actual build. Upgrading/refurbishment of village footpaths/cyclepaths ensuring these are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. This will involve projects with a variety of stakeholders e.g. landowners, Oxford County Council. Liaising with Oxford County Council to ensure delivery of agreed traffic calming measures and a new pedestrian crossing. This is primarily an oversight/liason role. Coordinating/supervising tree planting/biodiversity across the village. This is primarily an oversight/liason role. For newly developed Village Green, overseeing planting schemes including potential wild flower meadow and wooded areas. This is an oversight/liason role. Working with the PC’s Public Art Committee to develop and implement other public art projects around the village. This includes installation of new entrance signs at the three roads leading into the village, which will be “public art”, which will require liaising with Oxford County Council. Improvements to retail offerings, liaising with shop owners and operators. Other projects that arise from time to time. The PC has delegated authority to a sub-group of Councillors to oversee delivery of these projects – the Neighbourhood Development Plan Delivery Committee (Committee). The Programme Manager, who will report to this Committee, will have primary responsibility for programme management these elements of the NDP. |
| LOCATION: Normal consultancy basis i.e. remote working. Must be available to attend monthly PC meetings (which will be in-person in Drayton village once Covid-19 restrictions allow; until then via video-conference). These meetings are held in the evenings. Additional in-person meetings and calls are expected to be required with the PC or its committees/working groups, and/or third parties such as Oxfordshire County Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, developers, or PC advisors. |
| SCOPE/ REMUNERATION: There needs to be some flexibility as regards number of days consultancy to be provided, as the requirements are likely to change over time as more significant projects come online. The scope and remuneration structure will be negotiated. |
| DUTIES: NDP: reviewing the NDP in detail to assess what actions remain to be completed, and agree with the Committee the actions and timetable for completing these, and document and track such actions/timetable. Programme management: the Programme Manager “as required” will guide the PC in terms of compliance under the “Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015”, and as approporiate assume the role of “Principle Designer”. Will be required to coordinate and supervise, architects, surveyors, land-owners, builders, and associated professionals to ensure that projects are technically compliant, in accordance to the specifications, monitoring and reporting on budget and programme. Procurement: assisting the Committee with, and making recommendations as to, the selection and appointment of architects, surveyors, builders, and associated professionals, including reviewing and summarising fee proposals and quotations. Coordinate with local authorities: liaising with, and on occasion meeting with, appropriate officials in relevant departments (including planning and highways) at the Vale of White Horse District Council, and/or Oxford County Council. Accounting/grants: while overall budget responsibility sits with Parish Clerk as Responsible Financial Officer, the Programme Manager will be responsible for budgeting/accounting for each project. Identifying suitable grant-funding bodies and applying for grants. For certain projects such as the new Sports Pavilion, exploring other sources of funds. Reporting: regularly liaising with the Committee to report on progress of each project. Preparing and delivering an annual written progress report to the PC; coordinating with Parish Clerk as needed. Attend monthly meetings of the PC, the Committee, and manage arising action items. Administration: responding to residents’ queries, drafting relevant updates for PC website, organising public consultations (where required or desired) and launch events. |
| SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Programme Management Skills: able to organise a wide-ranging work programme effectively and pro-actively without close supervision, to ensure that agreed actions are completed on time, on budget and no task is overlooked. Excellent communication skills: able to communicate effectively and professionally with a range of people, including District and County Councillors, Parish Councillors, Parish Clerk, residents, contractors/suppliers, and professional advisors. A flexible approach to tasks: willing to have a go at unfamiliar tasks, and to undertake routine tasks diligently. Analysis & Writing: able to analyse proposals, summarise these for the Committee, and make recommendations. Competence in understanding, interpreting and developing business plans and budgets. Basic familiarity with contractual arrangements. Experience: in broadly comparable work – experience in the field of construction/engineering/planning would be an advantage. |
| How to apply: please send your application (providing the information set out below) to the Parish Clerk, Lorraine Watling by email: clerk@draytonpc.org. We will be holding interviews but are happy to have an informal chat in advance of you sending your application, or to answer any questions you may have. The contact person for this purpose is: richard.wade@draytonpc.org. Your application should provide: Covering letter. Name and contact details. Details of any relevant qualifications or experience. CV (including an overview of your employment history or relevant experience). Two references. Copy of professional indemnity insurance policy. The application deadline is 18 January 2020. |