Programme Assistant

Programme Assistant

£34,418 per annum - Grade 5

Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week

Closing date – 19 April at 23:55

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We currently have a vacancy for a Programme Assistant to join our Programme Management Office (PMO) within the Bus Franchising team.

In March 2024, the decision was made to bring buses back under local control in the biggest shake-up of our region’s transport network in decades. The PMO is responsible for controlling and directing Bus Franchising programme and project management functions, such as risks, issues and delivery plans, used to monitor performance and report progress through programme governance.

As our new Programme Assistant, you will provide a key role supporting the regular PMO activities, including managing the series of cross-programme meetings, updating delivery plans and programme management tools, and producing reports for programme and corporate boards. As well as overseeing these core functions, you would be part of the PMO’s continuous journey of improving programme and project management standards, so there will be plenty of development opportunities to contribute to and learn from a high performing programme team.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with experience working in a programme or project delivery environment, however if you have a strong record of team working towards a common, time-bound goal, are driven, well organised, and can effectively use ICT software to track progress and performance, this could be the perfect role to start your programme management career.

Our Offer

· Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.

· Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.

· Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).

· Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.

· Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.

· Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.

· Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.

· Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.

· Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Senior Programme Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

· Administering Bus Franchising cross-programme meetings, including setting agendas and compiling minutes, requesting and reviewing updates, presentations and disseminating meeting papers.

· Maintain programme management tools, such as delivery plans, risk and issue registers, and producing reports based on these on behalf of the PMO and ensuring project managers do the same within established reporting cycles.

· Positively contribute to the continuous improvement of the PMO team and its functions, by being a visible and enthusiastic team member, and working in partnership with workstream managers and business partners, with a commitment to improving the accessibility and effectiveness of our processes.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:

· Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.

· Experience of effectively contributing to team objectives.

· Proficient user of standard IT packages.

· Proficient in monitoring, reporting and control systems.

· Demonstrable experience of partnership working with multiple stakeholders.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis