Project Manager in Canterbury

East Kent Colleges Group is excited to invite applications for the position of Project Manager to oversee a dynamic and diverse portfolio of capital projects across our six‑college estate. As part of our Capital Projects Team, you will play a key role in delivering high‑impact initiatives, ranging from multimillion‑pound new construction projects to smaller refurbishment projects aligned with the Group’s property strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of education in East Kent by contributing to the development of state‑of‑the‑art educational facilities that will benefit students and communities for years to come.

In this role, you will work closely with the Group Head of Capital Projects to define project scopes, establish budgets and timelines, procure resources, and coordinate cross‑functional teams. Your focus will be on ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Project Oversight: Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring they remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the defined scope.
• Scope and Planning: Collaborate with the Group Head of Capital Projects to define project objectives, timelines, and budgets, ensuring all resources and requirements are clearly identified.
• Team Coordination: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, both internal and external, ensuring smooth collaboration and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for all project‑related inquiries, maintaining clear and proactive communication with clients, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Risk Management: Identify potential issues or delays early, proposing and implementing mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• External Communication: Manage and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and consultants, ensuring effective communication and the timely resolution of any challenges.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave – 29 days FTE per annum (+3 days after 5 years)
• Learning and Development Opportunities – 3‑4 annual paid group development days, bespoke programmes e.g. First Line Manager Development Programme and strong internal progression – 1 in 3 roles are filled internally
• Flexible Personal Leave – Time off for your child's first day at nursery or school, moving homes and for interviews
• Competitive Pension Scheme – 18% employer contribution
• Exclusive Discounts & Perks – Inc. restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts as well as car leasing and tech purchasing schemes
• Wellbeing and Health Support – Generous sick pay, counselling services, discounted gym membership at Canterbury College, free eye tests and glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return‑to‑work support
• Culture and Recognition – Being part of Community Days, an Annual Staff Celebration Day, and an eco‑friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net‑zero by 2030

About You Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management is preferred, ideally within the construction, refurbishment, or educational sector.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Exceptional organisational and multi‑tasking skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Experience with large‑scale projects, including public funding (e.g. Levelling Up Fund), is a distinct advantage.
• A proactive, solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to work well under pressure.
• A Project Management qualification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2) is preferred, but not essential.
• Qualified to degree level (level 6 qualification or above) is preferred, but not essential.
• English and Maths Level 2 is essential (e.g. equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above).

Why Join EKC Group?

• Work on high‑profile, impactful projects that enhance the future of education and the community.
• Join a collaborative, forward‑thinking team committed to excellence and professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing and supportive organisation.

If you are a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager with a passion for delivering successful projects, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of the exciting developments shaping the future of EKC Group!

For an informal chat, please email jobs@ekcgroup.ac.uk

Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and we ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities for upholding these principles. As a designated establishment, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore have an obligation to carry out checks to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

East Kent Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of our communities. We are particularly keen to increase the diversity of our staff body and encourage applications from candidates where there is under‑representation in our workforce.