We are currently seeking to fill a permanent position of Programme Director, which will report directly to the Chief Executive at the Coal Authority. This is a new role which will take responsibility for developing a major programme from strategic outline case through feasibility, design and implementation over a 10 year + horizon. The programme relates to complex aspects of our future mine water treatment approach (specifically inland saline mine water) and will involve significant national infrastructure, significant partnerships and innovative solutions.
The key skills sets we are looking for are major project / programme experience (ideally including infrastructure and or the water sector) and the ability to lead high value projects, familiarity with governance, compliance and the UK government business case frameworks, proven ability to work with partners and to influence at senior levels across government and the ability to seek, develop and negotiate novel and innovative approaches to complex problems.
The role holder would need to inspire a multidisciplinary team of direct staff and contractors and work with a range of national and international partners to develop and deliver the best possible programme outcomes to agreed timescales and budgets while ensuring that any statutory obligations are fully met. The team is small at present (approximately 5 including two direct reports, plus a range of consultant input) and will grow and evolve as the programme develops and moves through feasibility and implementation. The Programme Director will need to work in a matrix approach to agree and use relevant skills across the organisation as well as from consultants, contractors and partners.
The Programme Director would be an Executive Director and a member of the Executive Leadership team and would need to work collegiately across the team and organisation. As a senior leader in the organisation they would need a commitment to people centred leadership along with an understanding of our mission, purpose and values – who we are as an organisation.
The role is a permanent position but we would also consider an initial 2 year secondment from a suitable public sector partner or relevant private sector organisation – for example a water company or infrastructure provider.
The Coal Authority aims to recruit on potential. Relevant experience with a positive attitude and commitment to the role and organisation is more important than length of experience or particular skill sets. We would prefer to focus on what the individual would bring to the organisation and the role.
The salary is £80k – £83.5k plus performance related pay. Some negotiation may be possible for candidates who can demonstrate additional skills or broader value to the organisation.
We provide a wider range of benefits including a market leading pension scheme, an annual medical, employee discounts, £15 per month towards a wellbeing activity, paid professional subscriptions, a commitment to investing in training and development and generous holiday allowance.
Coal Authority staff work on a hybrid framework with each role categorised to a flexible working pattern. The Coal Authority’s Head Office is in Mansfield, Nottingham. The successful candidate can be formally based there or based from home if that is within or close to coalfield communities. We encourage Directors to be present in the office 1-2 days per week but would be flexible for the right individual. The ability to travel to sites and to meet teams, partners and customers will be expected as part of the role.