Lead the Future: Project Feasibility & Project Manager at “Guernsey Development Agency”
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Guernsey Development Agency (GDA) is seeking a highly motivated Project Feasibility & Project Manager. The GDA has been established by the States of Guernsey as an arms-length body to deliver coordinated and comprehensive development along Guernsey’s east coast.
This pivotal role plays a critical part in the GDA’s mission: to create enhancements that improve the economy, promote new industries, shape the east coast skyline and create new spaces for all to enjoy.
The post holder will be responsible for leading the development and execution of comprehensive project feasibility studies in order to enable the GDA to deliver a Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme. The post holder will need to initiate, sustain and develop close working relationships with many different stakeholders including industry bodies, interested groups, non-governmental bodies, civil servants and the general public.
Relationships:
The post holder will report to the GDA Board of Directors. They will have regular contact with the Strategic Projects Manager within the States of Guernsey in order to ensure consistency and alignment with the GDA’s aims.
The post holder will also work closely with non-governmental organisations, commissioning agencies, infrastructure providers, States of Guernsey, States Trading bodies and other key external stakeholders in relation to strategic infrastructure provision.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of comprehensive project feasibility studies, including market research, cost analysis, risk assessments, and impact evaluations.
- Bringing in best practice project management processes to ensure a structured approach to project analysis and delivery.
- Manage entire project lifecycles, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards while maximising community impact.
- Oversee procurement processes, selecting and managing the supply chain for efficient and effective project delivery. Including the development of scope of work, tender packs and specifications, then subsequently managing the contract delivery using standard project management methods.
- To act as a ‘Project Manager’ or ‘Supervisor’ under the ‘NEC Engineering & Construction Contract’ or ‘Contract Administrator’ under other contract forms for projects entered into by the GDA.
- Foster clear and consistent communication with government stakeholders, prioritising transparency and accountability.
- Develop and implement robust project management methodologies aligned with best practices and government regulations. Including assisting with the development of the GDA’s Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme (consisting of project business cases, project management plans and schedules).
- Proactively identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Prepare and present presentation packs and media release packs for politicians, senior civil servants and the general public.
- Responsible for the management of project related health and safety documentation (including the collation of the health and safety file, operation & maintenance manuals etc.) and its practical implementation according to the latest legislation applicable to Guernsey.
- Engage and communicate with stakeholders at all levels to understand and deconflict works which the GDA is planning and complying with the GDA philosophy.
- Contribute to the development of the GDA’s overall project portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment with the five key objectives set by the States:
- Protecting Guernsey’s east coast from current and future environmental threats.
- Developing modern and resilient harbours, fostering economic and social infrastructure growth.
- Improving transport connectivity and choice within and between the main centres.
- Providing infrastructure that supports Guernsey’s housing needs.
- Supporting existing businesses and creating new economic opportunities.
Key Criteria:
Essential:
- Project management experience, with demonstrable evidence of developing and working to KPIs and delivering to deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Proven track record of successfully leading complex projects from inception to completion.
- Possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with demonstrable experience of developing collaborative relationships and gaining trust from key stakeholders.
- Evidence of effectively presenting and communicating complex strategy and policy issues to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently and as part of a small team and to manage diverse work streams, including the ability to work without clear, defined procedures and exercise discretion where required.
- Ability to think strategically and innovatively, with the confidence to suggest creative solutions to new challenges and issues as they arise.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and to contribute to a variety of projects simultaneously.
Desirable:
- A knowledge of Guernsey (ideally either being resident or past resident)
- Project management qualification – PRINCE 2 or equivalent.
- Experience with financial modelling and cost analysis.
- Experience of drafting business cases.
Key Competencies:
Leadership:
- Seeing the big picture, having a good understanding of how the role of the GDA fits with, and supports, the States of Guernsey’s strategic objectives.
- Be prepared to take managed risks, ensuring these are planned and their impact assessed.
- Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making to help build engagement and present robust recommendations.
- Recognise scope of own authority for decision making and empower team members to make decisions.
Teamwork:
- Communicate in a clear, engaging manner and stand ground when needed.
- Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on objectives and shared interests.
- Continually seek and act on feedback to evaluate and improve their own team’s performance.
Accountability:
- Gather and use evidence to assess the costs, benefits, and risks of a wide range of delivery options when making commercial decisions.
- Cultivate and encourage an awareness of cost, using clear examples of benefits and how to measure outcomes.
- Make effective use of programme/project management skills and techniques to deliver outcomes, including identifying and mitigating risks.
- Plan ahead but reassess workloads and priorities if situations change or people are facing conflicting demands.
The Team:
In this exciting role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a highly experienced team. Our board of directors is comprised of three distinguished individuals from the private sector, bringing extensive expertise in:
- Complex Project Management
- Major Infrastructure Projects Engineering Management
- Property Law and property finance
- Legal Structure
- Private and Public Company Leadership
This exceptional team will provide invaluable mentorship and support as you navigate the intricacies of public-private partnerships.
We Offer:
- The opportunity to make a real difference in the Guernsey community.
- A dynamic and stimulating work environment within a unique PPP setting.
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
- Be part of a team dedicated to innovative solutions for the public good.
- Be part of a once in a generation chance to change the Guernsey skyline for the better.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this unique opportunity. Send this to directors@gda.gg
Successful candidates will be invited to undertake an interview with the directors along with psychometric testing.
The GDA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
This job description may be reviewed and subsequently amended or modified in negotiation with the postholder.
