Senior Project Support Officer Jobs at Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – Earn Up to £46,765
Looking to advance your project management career within the UK Civil Service? The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is recruiting two Senior Project Support Officers to join its Operational Delivery team. These opportunities offer a competitive salary, excellent Civil Service benefits, flexible working arrangements, and outstanding career development opportunities.
If you have experience in project or programme support, governance, stakeholder management, and leading teams, this could be your next career move.
Job Summary
- Position: Senior Project Support Officer
- Employer: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
- Reference Number: 463417
- Salary: £42,665 – £46,765 per year
- Job Grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
- Contract Type: 1 Permanent & 1 Fixed-Term (18 months)
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
- Vacancies: 2
- Application Deadline: 11:55 PM, Thursday, 9 July 2026
Available Locations
Successful applicants can be based in:
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Carlisle
- Carmarthen
- Crewe
- Exeter
- Itchen Abbas (Winchester)
- Leicester
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nottingham
- Perth
- Preston
- York
Employees are expected to spend at least 60% of their working time in their designated workplace, with the remaining time worked flexibly from home.
About the Role
As a Senior Project Support Officer, you will provide leadership across project support teams while helping deliver major government programmes. You will oversee governance, reporting, planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and continuous improvement activities across complex projects.
You will also manage Project Support Officers, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and in line with government standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead project support teams and develop staff capability.
- Coordinate governance and reporting across programmes.
- Produce reports and dashboards for senior leaders.
- Manage project schedules, milestones, and dependencies.
- Support financial planning and resource allocation.
- Monitor project risks, issues, and dependencies.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Promote continuous improvement and best practice across projects.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience working within project, programme, or portfolio management environments.
- Previous leadership or line management experience.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Knowledge of PMO functions, governance, and project delivery principles.
Qualifications
Applicants should possess a recognised project management qualification such as:
- PRINCE2
- APM PFQ or PMQ
- MSP
- MoP
Equivalent experience will also be considered, with a willingness to obtain a recognised qualification if required.
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Salary between £42,665 and £46,765 annually.
- Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Extensive learning and professional development.
- Employee discounts on retail, travel, and lifestyle services.
- Recognition awards and salary sacrifice schemes.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to applicants who have the legal right to work in the UK and meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must already have permission to work in the UK.
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes:
- Online application.
- CV submission.
- 500-word Personal Statement.
- 250-word Behaviour Statement (Communicating and Influencing).
- Online interview via Microsoft Teams.
- Behaviour, Strength, and Experience-based assessment.
Why Apply?
Working with APHA offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally important projects that protect animal health, plant health, food safety, and the UK’s biosecurity. You’ll join a supportive organisation that values diversity, inclusion, innovation, and continuous professional development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application before 11:55 PM on Thursday, 9 July 2026 through the official UK Civil Service Jobs portal.
Application Deadline: 9 July 2026
Important Note for Applicants
This position is intended for UK-based applicants who already have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. APHA does not provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this vacancy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an experienced project professional seeking a rewarding Civil Service career with excellent benefits, flexible working, and long-term career progression, the Senior Project Support Officer role at APHA is an excellent opportunity. Apply early to maximise your chances of success before the closing date.