Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent
Deputy Director of Infrastructure

Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ambitious infrastructure projects that enhance learning environments for thousands of students.
  • Company: Join Leigh Academies Trust, a progressive multi-academy trust focused on world-class education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, local government pension, and access to a free virtual GP service.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education through innovative infrastructure development and strategic asset management.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in leading capital programmes and managing project budgets.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Highly competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network.

Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is one of the UK's most progressive multi-academy trusts. We believe that world-class education is only possible when supported by world-class infrastructure. Our pace of delivery is industry-leading: during the 2025 summer break alone, our team successfully completed dozens of projects with a total capital investment of over £10 million.

As Deputy Director of Infrastructure (Projects), you will be the strategic driver behind our most ambitious developments. You will lead a high-performing project team to deliver physical and digital spaces that directly enhance the learning journey for thousands of primary and secondary pupils.

The Portfolio: Strategic Growth & Essential Renewal

This role offers a sophisticated balance between high-profile new builds and the critical asset management of our existing estate. You will manage a diverse portfolio that ensures every academy - regardless of age or location - meets the highest standards.

  • High-Value Capital Developments:
    • Leigh Academy Birchwood: Serve as the client representative for a £20m DfE-led brand-new "all-through" SEN academy.
    • Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy: Lead a £7m KCC-sponsored new build expansion to support secondary growth.
    • Expansion & Specialist Provision: Manage multi-million-pound projects including a £2.6m extension at Leigh Academy Rainham and a £500k nursery extension at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard.
  • Strategic Asset Management (SCA): You will hold responsibility for the execution of our £5 million annual School Condition Allocation (SCA). This is not mere maintenance; it is strategic lifecycle management involving:
    • Large-scale roof replacements and structural fabric renewals.
    • Major heating and mechanical overhauls aimed at improving energy efficiency.
    • Comprehensive welfare and classroom upgrades to modernize the primary and secondary estate.

Digital & IT Infrastructure

In partnership with the Head of IT Programmes, you will spearhead a £2 million IT renewal programme. This ensures our digital backbone - from 1:1 primary Chromebook initiatives to Windows 11 secondary migrations - remains modern, secure, and fully integrated with our physical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Execution: Formulate and deliver capital and SCA projects that align with the Trust’s vision of "Education for a Better World."
  • Financial Oversight: Manage complex project budgets, ensuring robust forecasting and demonstrable value for money.
  • Risk & Compliance: Serve as the specialist lead for CDM regulations, procurement standards (Public Contracts Regulations), and Health & Safety across all construction activities.
  • Leadership: Provide decisive management to the Infrastructure Project Team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.

About You

We are seeking a senior professional with a proven track record in leading significant capital programmes within live environments. You will possess:

  • Expert Knowledge: A deep understanding of statutory regulations, planning permissions, and building control.
  • Budgetary control: Experience in managing programme and project budgets with experience of public-sector funding an advantage.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: The ability to communicate complex project risks and timelines effectively to senior Trust leaders and external partners (DfE, & local government).
  • Professionalism: Ideally, you will be accredited by CIOB, RICS, or CABE (or be working toward this).

Why Leigh Academies Trust?

This is a rare opportunity to join a Trust that treats infrastructure as a cornerstone of educational success. You will work within a high-energy leadership team where your expertise in construction and project management will have a tangible, daily impact on the lives of students.

Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent employer: LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST

Leigh Academies Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of world-class educational infrastructure, offering a highly competitive salary and extensive benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme and 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service. With a collaborative culture and a commitment to employee growth, you will be part of a dynamic team driving significant projects that enhance learning environments for thousands of students across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and infrastructure sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and achievements in capital development and asset management. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Ace the interview! Research Leigh Academies Trust thoroughly and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Prepare questions that show your interest in their projects and how you can help drive their strategic vision forward.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Leigh Academies Trust. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent

Project Management
Strategic Execution
Financial Oversight
Risk Management
Compliance Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement
Budgetary Control
Expert Knowledge of Statutory Regulations
Building Control
Planning Permissions
Leadership Skills
Continuous Improvement
Public-Sector Funding Experience
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Director of Infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in capital programmes and asset management.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Leigh Academies Trust.

How to prepare for a job interview at LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific projects mentioned in the job description. Understand the scope, budget, and impact of each project, especially the high-value capital developments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their ambitious goals.

✨Master the Financials

Since financial oversight is a key responsibility, brush up on your budgeting skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing complex project budgets and how you've ensured value for money in past roles. Bring examples that highlight your ability to forecast and manage finances effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Deputy Director, leadership is crucial. Think about your management style and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led a team through challenges, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you’ve engaged stakeholders effectively.

✨Understand Compliance and Regulations

Familiarise yourself with CDM regulations, procurement standards, and health & safety requirements relevant to construction activities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated these areas in previous roles, as this knowledge will be vital for ensuring compliance in their projects.

Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent
LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
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  • Deputy Director of Infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent

    Stoke-on-Trent
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
  • L

    LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST

    100-200
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