About The Job Salary: £57,080 to £60,239 per year plus £3,203 car benefit Hours per week: 37 Contract type: Permanent Join our cutting-edge Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) team, where we innovate, collaborate, and push boundaries to enhance public services. We're at the forefront of digital transformation, and we need a forward-thinking Principal ICT Project Manager to steer major projects and programmes that make a real difference. As the Principal ICT Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading, managing, and developing complex projects and programmes that align with the Division's objectives and improvement targets. You will provide effective leadership to project teams, utilising appropriate project management methods and tools, and ensuring realistic project plans are maintained. Your role will include delivering regular and accurate communication to stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress. You will oversee the implementation of complex new systems through close collaboration with implementation groups, consultants, and contractors. A key aspect of your position will also involve mentoring new management staff, providing them with the necessary support, advice, and training for the commissioning of works. Additionally, you will contribute as a senior member of the DDaT Technology Project Management Team, helping to drive continuous improvement and foster innovation within the Division. Please note this role does not attract sponsorship. About You We are seeking someone with substantial experience in collaborating with senior managers and service stakeholders to deliver major ICT projects. You should have a strong track record of successfully liaising, negotiating, and communicating with key stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery. In-depth experience in contract and project management is essential, particularly in budget setting, monitoring, and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to influence and persuade others at a senior level, achieving consensus among groups with differing goals. You should be highly proficient in using ICT to enhance service delivery, with excellent skills in data analysis, report writing, and presenting meaningful statistics. Knowledge of public sector management practices, including financial regulations, procurement processes, and standing orders, is also critical. Experience in IT Project Management, aligned with ITIL principles, is a must. In terms of qualifications, you should have professional knowledge and experience in relevant frameworks such as Prince 2. A relevant professional qualification in project management, or equivalent experience, is essential. We are looking for someone with a proven history of managing and delivering complex ICT projects. Additionally, you should possess exceptional leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities to effectively guide project teams and support new management staff. About Us Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision? Application Process Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. Benefits We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include: From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility) Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel How To Apply We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply