Location: Penrith, Kendal or Barrow 

Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

The Capital Programme team is responsible for the core delivery of the Council’s c. £80-100m/year Capital Programme developing projects which make a real ‘on the ground’ difference to our communities, places and people in Westmorland and Furness. On a daily basis the programme develops and maintains new council buildings including care homes, schools, community centres and offices; construct’s and maintains highways and cycleways; build new flood defences; work with partners to enable housing development and drive the council’s internal decarbonisation programme for its services.

The Programme Control Officer Role will join the Infrastructure Portfolio Team. The Infrastructure Portfolio is growing and is currently responsible for:

• Marina Village, Barrow - c. £24mil remediation and enabling works
• Sandscale Park Depot – c. £2.5mil Depot to replace services at Salthouse
• Integrated Depot Programme – studies underway in Barrow & Penrith.
• Kendal Parking Programme – study due to commence.

These projects are key for the Council to deliver on its priorities.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a self-reliant and driven individual who has knowledge of Capital Works Programme and Project management and can support the delivery of the Portfolio.

The candidate will:

• Provide project management support on the medium to large scale projects
• Manage and direct the flow of a wide variety of programme delivery information including financial data, programme milestones, approvals and risks. Analysing trends and identifying areas for corrective action and improvement within the capital programme delivery.
• Have some experience of engaging with and working with internal and external stakeholders and external consultants.
• With support will identify the services and work that must be procured to complete projects and assist the commissioning of works with consultants and contractors and co-ordinate consultants and contractors to ensure that work awarded is carried out in a timely and safe fashion.
• Have good communications skills and an ability to converse at all levels and ability to work as part of a team.
• Have an ability to problem solve through creative thinking and a positive approach to team working.
• Have a technical, vocational or part-professional qualification at vocational degree level or equivalent NVQ Level 4.

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:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Michelle Davies at Michelle.davies@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 09/08/2026

Interview date: w/c 24/08/2026

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.