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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project delivery, drive commercial performance, and build scalable methodologies.
- Company: Dataspire Solutions, a leading education IT managed services company in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and commitment to mental health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Transform project delivery and make a real impact in the education sector.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project delivery, commercial acumen, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Head Office - Manchester, M27 6DB
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience
The Role
This is a senior leadership appointment with direct accountability for Dataspire’s project delivery function. The Head of Project Services will own delivery quality, project profitability, resource utilisation, and programme execution across the business, with a clear mandate to transform project delivery into a predictable, commercially disciplined capability. This is not a coordination or oversight role. The successful candidate will be expected to build the framework, lead the team, drive commercial performance, and take full ownership of outcomes.
Operating Environment
A significant proportion of Dataspire’s delivery is embedded within new school build programmes and large-scale refurbishments, working alongside Tier 1 construction partners, subcontractors, and public sector clients. The Head of Project Services will frequently be operating inside someone else’s programme, where delays carry real commercial and reputational consequences, and effective coordination across multiple contractors and client stakeholders is essential. This is programme-level delivery at scale. The role requires someone who is experienced and at ease with that level of complexity.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a proven delivery leader with the commercial acumen, operational discipline, and interpersonal confidence to lead this function effectively. The following is essential:
- Demonstrable experience leading a project delivery or programme management function, ideally within a technology, infrastructure, or managed services environment
- A strong track record of improving delivery consistency, project profitability, and operational efficiency
- Experience operating within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including those involving construction programmes or large-scale infrastructure delivery
- Genuine commercial acumen, including a clear understanding of margin management, cost control, and resource utilisation
- Experience implementing and embedding structured delivery frameworks such as PRINCE2 or equivalent
- SMSTS or SSSTS qualification, reflecting the construction environments this role operates within
- The confidence and credibility to challenge across functions, including Sales, technical teams, and senior leadership, where delivery or commercial integrity is at risk
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Project Delivery Function
- Build a Scalable Delivery Methodology
- Drive Commercial Performance
- Resource and Capacity Planning
- Programme Delivery and Construction Alignment
- Risk and Issue Management
- Executive Reporting
About Dataspire Solutions
Dataspire is a Manchester-based education IT managed services company, delivering a broad portfolio of services spanning managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, and large-scale ICT projects for new school builds and major refurbishments. We have completed more than 120 DfE-funded projects, reflecting our expertise and the depth of our experience in the education sector. We are proud to be a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to perform at their best.
How to Apply
If you have the experience, commercial focus, and leadership capability this role demands, we want to hear from you. Please send your CV and a covering note outlining your suitability to .
Dataspire is a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process.
Head of Project Services in Manchester employer: Dataspire Solutions
Contact Detail:
Dataspire Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Project Services in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at Dataspire. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Dataspire’s recent projects and their impact on the education sector. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved project delivery and driven commercial performance in past roles. We want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Dataspire.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Project Services role. Highlight your leadership experience in project delivery and any relevant frameworks you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note: Your covering note is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your commercial acumen and how you've successfully navigated complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've improved project profitability and operational efficiency in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dataspire Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Dataspire’s project delivery function and the specific challenges they face in the education IT sector. Brush up on your knowledge of PRINCE2 or similar frameworks, as well as the intricacies of managing large-scale construction programmes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading project delivery teams. Be ready to discuss how you've improved delivery consistency and profitability in previous roles, especially in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about margin management, cost control, and resource utilisation. Show how your decisions have positively impacted commercial performance in past projects, and be ready to discuss strategies for maintaining financial integrity.
✨Engage with Confidence
During the interview, don’t shy away from challenging questions. Demonstrate your confidence and credibility by discussing how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts across functions, ensuring delivery and commercial integrity are upheld.