Deputy Director of Infrastructure (Projects) in Rochester

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

Leading the Evolution of Primary and Secondary Learning Environments. 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 modernise 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.

Applying for this Opportunity To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification, as well as arranging an informal call with the hiring manager to find out more. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.