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 30-35 days of annual leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € 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 Birmingham employer: Polaris
At Polaris, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the children's services sector, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, our Project Manager - Education role is perfect for those looking to thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation. Join us in our mission to deliver outstanding education and support to children across the UK, while enjoying the flexibility of a home-based position with nationwide travel opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Education in Birmingham
✨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 those 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 through education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills in mock interviews. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples where you've successfully managed budgets and timelines in past projects.
✨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 Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role in education. Highlight your project management experience, especially in educational settings, and showcase any relevant qualifications or skills that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for improving education and how your experience can help us achieve our goals. Be sure to mention specific projects you've managed that relate to our mission.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨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 while ensuring compliance with regulations. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you’ve successfully influenced others or resolved conflicts. Practising clear and concise answers will help you convey your points effectively during the interview.
✨Research Polaris and Their Values
Dive into what Polaris stands for and their mission in the education sector. Understanding their community-focused approach will allow you to align your answers with their values, showing that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of young people.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Ask about their current projects or how they measure success in new school openings. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
