Location: Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, and Penrith, as well as hybrid working options.Contract Type: x2 Permanent Roles
Capital Programme Team – Property Portfolio
The Property Portfolio plays an important role in delivering capital projects which maintain and improve the Council’s assets including schools, corporate buildings, and leisure facilities. We also work on significant improvement projects which enable positive outcomes including school extensions and new and enhanced community and leisure facilities. Increasingly we are looking to include decarbonisation measures in our projects to help meet the Council’s aspiration of being carbon net zero by 2037. Within the Property Portfolio we have a significant programme to define and deliver, and we are looking to recruit to four positions to support our work.
About this opportunity
The Project Lead roles will manage development and delivery of projects in the Corporate and Schools Planned Maintenance Programme and also property and place improvement projects. In 2026/27 place and improvement projects include a school extension, a visitor centre, community equipment store and alternative provision unit. For all projects you will work closely with our professional services partners and project stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a recognised project management qualification and will have proven experience of translating that knowledge into successful project delivery, ideally in a property related setting.
Experience of public sector procurement and governance processes would be helpful, but not essential. Candidates should be confident and organised with strong communication skills and stakeholder management experience. The role is rewarding and impactful with the opportunity to lead and deliver a variety of projects that directly benefit our communities.
As a Trainee Project Lead you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on communities. You will play an essential role in shaping the success of projects that enhance local schools, corporate spaces, and community facilities, contributing to an even better quality of life for our residents. This role is a fantastic opportunity to develop your project management skills and to be hands-on in helping us to achieve lasting improvements for communities and our ambition of being carbon net zero by 2037.
Working alongside our Programme Assistants, you’ll support Project Leads in undertaking procurement and managing contracts, organise and manage project documentation and coordinate agendas and ensure follow-up actions. You will be a trusted contact for partners, assisting in the creation of project communication plans and fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders. In short, your support will be central to our success.
Who we are looking for…
The ideal candidate will be a natural organiser with an eye for detail, someone who thrives in a structured yet dynamic environment. Some knowledge and experience of project support would be beneficial, but it is not essential—what’s most important is a proactive attitude and the drive to see projects succeed. In return we will be giving you the opportunity to develop your project management skills and to, hopefully, further your career with us. You will be given the opportunity to take a supported lead on smaller projects and to undertake further training and development.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
For an informal chat about this exciting role, please contact Tim Rignall at tim.rignall@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or on 07385 950845.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 07/06/2026
Interview date: TBC
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
