A130 PFI Contract Manager in Chelmsford

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced highways professional to influence the legacy, condition and value of a major strategic route and to help shape the Council’s approach to the management of the PFI contract as we head towards handback. Essex Highways manages one of the largest highway networks in the country, including over 5,100 miles of roads and 4,000 miles of footways. The A130 is a strategically important route linking Chelmsford and the A12 with Southend and the A127, and is unique within Essex as it is operated under a long-term Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. As the contract approaches its planned handback in 2030, this role plays a critical part in ensuring the network remains safe, compliant and delivers value for money.

As the A130 PFI Contract Manager (Operations & Maintenance), you will be Essex County Council’s lead officer for the day-to-day management of the contract, overseeing operational performance, maintenance delivery, compliance and governance requirements. Acting as the Council’s intelligent client, you will work closely with the contractor and key stakeholders to ensure contractual obligations are met and that the route is effectively managed on behalf of residents and road users. This is a delivery-focused role offering a unique opportunity to gain significant hands-on experience managing a major highways PFI contract during a pivotal stage of its lifecycle. Working alongside technical, commercial and corporate teams, you will help protect the Council’s interests, drive performance and support the successful transition towards public sector ownership in 2030.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the day-to-day management of the A130 PFI contract, acting as the Council’s primary operational contact with CountyRoute, managing contract meetings, overseeing risks and issues, and monitoring the delivery of business-as-usual activities and schemes.
• Monitor contractor performance and compliance against contractual requirements, managing audits, inspections, defect resolution and lane availability, while addressing non-compliance and ensuring adherence to safety, insurance and approval obligations.
• Review and validate contract reports, plans and operational data to ensure accurate performance monitoring, robust assurance processes and informed decision-making.
• Manage contract documentation, notices, variations, penalties and governance processes, while supporting budget management, value for money, record keeping and key administrative requirements.
• Act as the central liaison between CountyRoute, Essex Highways and corporate teams, coordinating meetings, stakeholder engagement and the effective communication of risks, issues and decisions.
• Support preparations for the 2030 contract handback by maintaining compliance records, providing operational insight and contributing to reporting and evidence requirements.

The Experience You Will Bring:

• Degree level qualification (RQF Level 6) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in contract management and service delivery environments, with a sound understanding of performance monitoring and compliance processes.
• Experience working with contractors and managing operational delivery.
• Knowledge of highways maintenance or infrastructure services (desirable), with a desire to develop experience in this field.
• Understanding of governance and public sector processes.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.