At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects to open new schools and improve education for young people.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading community dedicated to transforming children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, pension scheme, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while thriving in a dynamic, people-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Home-based role with nationwide travel; excellent career growth opportunities await!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Homebased - Nationwide Travel is Essential to This Role
Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum Dependent Upon Experience
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days' with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Residential, Education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff and believe in their futures.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager who will play a key role within our Organic Growth team by driving our plans to develop new schools to provide outstanding education to our young people across our Community. We are looking for a motivated and skilled Project Manager - Education to help bring these new schools to life ensuring the new schools open on time, to budget and regulatory requirements are met. The post-holder will have excellent project management and inter-personal skills, highly-developed communication skills, experience in stakeholder management and budgets with a strong commitment to making a difference.
If you're passionate about delivering projects that genuinely make a difference-and you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment-this could be the perfect next step in your career.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the identification of potential new sites proactively and efficiently.
- Managing the establishment of new schools from purchase through to opening.
- To support the production of, and subsequently monitor planning applications.
- Ensuring all construction and refurbishments are in accordance with the Building Safety Act.
- Ensuring projects are managed to agreed timeframes and budgets.
- Build and establish a suitable contractor base ensuring project downtime is minimised and well resourced.
- Assess and procure all required works for new buildings with all relevant Health and Safety regulations, Building Safety Act and Independent Schools Standards.
- Work closely with education specialists, ensuring all regulatory compliance (Ofsted, LA etc) is in place to ensure schools open within scheduled timescales.
- To work alongside our Estates Team to develop site maintenance schedules.
- Working with our Commercial team to build relationships with LA commissioning teams to develop understanding of demand for schools and agree key commercial terms.
- To work closely with our central functions to ensure resource is in place and Marketing are informed of timings.
- Develop and maintain project plans and reporting documentation as necessary to ensure timely communication and successful delivery of assigned projects.
About You
- Post-Project Management qualification experience (all levels of post qualification experience will be considered).
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of RICS requirements and all relevant legislation.
- Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to think strategically, creatively and under pressure.
- Highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Confident working independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience in managing and delivering to budgets.
- Possess a full valid driving licence.
For more information about this exciting new role, please call Loren Cahill - Head of New Organic Growth on 0776 608 1721.
Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing prior to appointment.
Project Manager - Education in Stoke Prior employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Education in Stoke Prior
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Polaris and their community impact. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in children's lives. Tailor your answers to reflect our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills in mock interviews. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so be ready to discuss your past projects and how you managed budgets and timelines effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission to improve education for young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Education in Stoke Prior
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in education or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to improve young people's lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for education and how you can contribute to our community. We love hearing personal stories that connect your experience to our goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've managed successfully, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines and budgets. We’re all about results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Project Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your project management qualifications and experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you met deadlines and budgets. This role is all about delivering results, so showcasing your past successes will definitely impress.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the education sector, especially regarding new school openings. Being able to talk knowledgeably about regulatory requirements and compliance will show that you're serious about making a difference in this field.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced or collaborated with others, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their vision for new schools and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether this role aligns with your career goals.