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.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a chance to impact the future of education.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 € 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 (phone number removed).
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 Studley employer: Polaris Community
Polaris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work culture that prioritises the well-being of both its staff and the children they serve. With generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. The home-based role with nationwide travel allows for flexibility while contributing to the development of new schools, making it a rewarding opportunity for passionate project managers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Education in Studley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for Project Manager roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening 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 and mission.
✨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, challenges faced, and how you ensured everything was delivered on time and within budget.
✨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 team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Education in Studley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role in education. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for, like project management and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for making a difference in education and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Polaris.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've managed successfully, especially those that demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines and budgets.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Project Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your project management methodologies and tools. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you met deadlines and budgets while ensuring compliance with regulations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships and resolved conflicts in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Since this role is all about improving educational outcomes, be prepared to share why you're passionate about education. Discuss any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their current projects, challenges they face, or their vision for new schools. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.