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- Tasks: Lead strategic projects to enhance education and social mobility for young people.
- Company: Star Academies, a high-performing multi-academy trust dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping the future of young people.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with travel across England for new school projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Star Academies is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of a range of strategic projects, including the development of the Eton Star Partnership and its sixth form colleges, the opening of new free schools, academy conversions, and wider business change initiatives across the Trust. The Eton Star Partnership combines the global reputation and heritage of Eton College with Star Academies' national track record for excellence and inclusion. Its mission is to elevate the life chances of young people from disadvantaged communities through exceptional education, strengthened social mobility, and the development of civic agency.
As part of this mission, the partnership is opening new sixth-form free schools in Dudley and Oldham, offering a highly academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities, and tailored preparation for progression to top universities and degree apprenticeships. In this role, you will provide high-quality strategic and operational project management support for the establishment of the Eton Star sixth forms. Alongside the Eton Star projects, you will lead and support additional projects relating to new schools, academy conversions and organisational change initiatives across the Trust.
Working closely with colleagues from Eton College, Star Academies, local authorities and the Department for Education, you will develop and manage comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre-opening and mobilisation. If you are an experienced project manager looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping high-profile education projects that will raise standards, extend opportunity, and contribute to social mobility for young people across our communities.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects successfully. You will be able to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail and will be confident in establishing teams, managing workstreams, solving problems, and driving progress in fast-moving environments. You will bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build positive and productive relationships with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners. Your ability to analyse information, spot risks early, and provide clear, evidence-based reporting will be key to ensuring the success of each project.
This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential.
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59.
- Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026
- Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible
For more information and to apply online, please go to: Star Academies | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career - Job Information | Apply for Senior Project Manager. Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Senior Project Manager in Blackburn employer: Greater.jobs
Contact Detail:
Greater.jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Star Academies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Eton Star Partnership and its impact. We want to see your passion for education and social mobility, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills with real examples. Think of specific projects where you balanced strategic oversight with attention to detail. We love hearing about how you solved problems and drove progress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Project Manager, especially in educational settings.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've led. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, as this will help us understand your capabilities better.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will make it easier for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater.jobs
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific projects mentioned in the job description, especially the Eton Star Partnership. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of elevating life chances for young people and how you can contribute to the success of these strategic initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build positive relationships with senior leaders and external partners. Think about times when you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments and how you ensured effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you tackled them. Highlight your analytical skills and your ability to spot risks early, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements for meticulous attention to detail and strategic oversight.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Travel Willingness
Since the role requires travel across England, express your enthusiasm for this aspect. Share any relevant experiences where you've adapted to new environments or managed projects in different locations, showcasing your readiness to embrace the dynamic nature of the role.
