Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager

Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager

Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead lifecycle and variation projects in schools, ensuring compliance and quality delivery.
  • Company: Join Pinnacle Group, a people-first organisation dedicated to community services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and retail discounts.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with opportunities for personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your project management skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and lifecycle maintenance, ideally in educational settings.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

Job Introduction

Pinnace Group are looking for a Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager to take ownership of the planning, procurement, commercial control and delivery of Lifecycle and Variation works across the schools PFI contracts, ensuring projects are compliant, cost-effective, delivered to agreed standards and aligned with contractual, statutory and client requirements.

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of Lifecycle and Variation works, from identification and scoping through procurement, delivery, handover and close-out.

You will be joining our Total FM Team based in Swindon.

The Total FM team provides integrated asset management and maintenance services across the education, leisure, corporate, health and living sectors to ensure facilities operate at their best.

The ideal candidate is a strong, confident project leader with hands‑on experience delivering complex building services projects, including lifecycle programmes and variation works.

You will bring proven budget management skills, excellent stakeholder communication and a solid understanding of health and safety legislation, building standards and industry best practice.

Experience within PFI environments and educational settings is highly desirable, alongside the ability to produce accurate reports, forecasts and technical documentation.

You’ll be proactive, organised and able to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining service quality and driving continuous improvement across essential school facilities.

Who we are

Pinnacle Group is a leading UK private sector provider of housing and neighbourhood services, managing and maintaining communities where people live, learn, work and play.

We’re a people-first organisation with a values driven culture that has remained consistent for thirty years; living through how we treat our employees and our customers.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who, alongside the key criteria below, will sign up to our values of Trust, Respect, Involve, Challenge and Deliver Excellence and will be determined to maintain the confidence of our clients and communities.

Key responsibilities

  • Act as the primary owner and point of accountability for Lifecycle and Variation works across the region, representing Pinnacle with the client, schools, service partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain the Lifecycle and Variation programme, ensuring priorities, approvals, dependencies, risks and milestones are clearly managed.
  • Lead procurement activity, including tender documentation, contractor evaluation, value-for-money assessment and award recommendations in line with company and contract requirements.
  • Manage the day-to-day performance of contractors and Pinnacle personnel involved in Lifecycle, New Works and Variations, ensuring delivery meets agreed time, cost, quality and safety standards.
  • Control Lifecycle and Variation expenditure, income, forecasts and accruals, providing clear monthly reporting and early escalation of commercial pressures.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate and site-specific health and safety requirements, including corrective action plans for any identified issues.
  • Carry out regular audits and progress reviews to confirm Lifecycle and Variation works are being delivered to the required standards and contractual obligations.
  • Line manage the Project Coordinator and support effective planning, administration, reporting and document control for Lifecycle and Variation activity

Key responsibilities

  • Strong background in project management and lifecycle maintenance within building services, including at least 2 years’ senior management experience leading accounts and staff, and 4 years’ hands‑on project delivery.

Experience within PFI contracts and educational environments is desirable.

  • Proven ability to manage high‑value budgets and multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring accuracy and control across portfolios exceeding £1m and individual projects over £100k.

An understanding of PFI contract mechanisms is advantageous.

  • Excellent communication and report‑writing skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels—clients, contractors and internal teams—while providing strong customer service and leadership.
  • A solid understanding of Health & Safety legislation, relevant industry standards and best practice, with the ability to maintain compliance across multiple sites.

A formal Health & Safety qualification is desirable.

  • HNC (or equivalent) in a construction‑related discipline, alongside a full driving licence and the ability to obtain DBS clearance.

Mechanical, Electrical or Construction professional qualifications are desirable.

Our Offer

The more diverse our workforce, the better we can adapt to and reflect the needs of our customers.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds – particularly from those who represent the communities we serve.

As a colleague, you will become part of an inclusive culture, where you will have the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through learning and development.

We offer a wide range of benefits at Pinnacle Group, dependant on your role or business area, these range from additional leave packages to pension plans and discounts at your favourite retailers

  • Maternity/paternity packages
  • Flexible Working Arrangements
  • Life Assurance
  • Enhanced Pension Scheme
  • Additional Annual Leave
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Retail Discounts
  • Childcare Assistance
  • Season Ticket Loans
  • Sick Pay Schemes
  • Personal Development Plans
  • Car Allowance
  • Company Bonus

Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager employer: Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. As part of our Soft FM team in Enfield, you will benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring your skills grow alongside the company. Enjoy the satisfaction of working outdoors while contributing to the beautification of our housing sites, all within a friendly and dynamic environment.

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Contact Details:

Pinnacle Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager

✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager at Pinnacle Group!

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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Pinnacle Group or be willing to refer you for that Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager position!

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Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Pinnacle Group who’s on the lookout for their next Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager star!

✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager role at Pinnacle Group!

We think you need these skills to ace Life Cycle & Variations Support Manager

Project Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Communication
Health and Safety Legislation
Building Standards
Procurement Skills
Contract Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Pinnacle Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pinnacle Group

✨Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

✨Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

✨Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

✨Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Pinnacle Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!