At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and delivery of Schools PFI contract expiry while ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Local government organisation in Southampton focused on community service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Temporary role with potential for extension and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by managing impactful projects and ensuring quality service delivery.
- Qualifications: Degree level education, project management experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30.91 - 30.91 £ per hour.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Project Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Southampton.
The successful post holder will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the expiry of the Schools PFI contract, ensuring contractual obligations are met and the organisation's financial, commercial and operational interests are protected.
The role will also support wider PFI expiry activities, including sharing best practice across programmes, while managing the ongoing Schools PFI contract to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money.
This role is a temporary contract with an initial period of 6 months, with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working.
Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to
- Lead the planning and execution of the Schools PFI contract expiry, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and recognised best practice.
- Develop, maintain and deliver the Schools PFI expiry plan, securing stakeholder approval and protecting the organisation’s operational, financial and commercial interests.
- Manage the Schools PFI contract to ensure effective contractual, commercial and performance management throughout the remaining contract term.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, government representatives, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) partners, advisors and external organisations to support a successful contract exit.
- Review and interpret contractual obligations, translating contract requirements into clear exit and demobilisation plans.
- Coordinate asset and service handover activities, ensuring statutory compliance, accurate documentation and effective knowledge transfer.
- Facilitate inspections, technical surveys, workshops and programme review meetings.
- Identify, manage and mitigate project risks, oversee change control processes and maintain effective programme governance.
- Produce accurate project reports, monitor progress against milestones and support evidence-based decision making.
- Identify resource requirements for contract expiry activities and coordinate procurement or recruitment activities where required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to negotiate contract variations, resolve disputes and achieve commercially sound outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records relating to contracts, project activity and contractual obligations.
- Support wider PFI expiry projects, including contributing knowledge and lessons learned to the Streetlighting PFI expiry programme.
- Deliver services within agreed budgets while identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiencies and value for money.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies relating to health and safety, information governance and financial management.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to organisational and team development activities.
Personal Requirements
- Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or relevant professional experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to project or contract management.
- Project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent.
- At least five years' experience in contract management, procurement or a commercial service delivery role.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex projects.
- Knowledge of PFI contracts and their operation.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Strong understanding of facilities management operations, statutory compliance and asset management.
- Proven ability to analyse complex contracts and translate contractual requirements into practical project and expiry plans.
- Financial management experience, including budget management, forecasting and cost modelling.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while representing the organisation at senior stakeholder level.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital business systems.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders, manage challenging relationships and negotiate positive outcomes.
- Experience identifying practical solutions to complex commercial and contractual issues.
- Experience delivering PFI contract expiry activities.
- Knowledge and/or experience of public sector contracting.
- Legal and commercial awareness.
- Experience delivering multiple projects or wider change programmes, ideally within PFI or complex facilities management environments.
- Working Hours
Full Time, Monday to Friday.
Pay
£30.91 per hour (Negotiable).
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
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Project Manager (Schools PFI Expiry) in Southampton employer: Positive Employment
Positive Employment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the realm of local government projects. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to meaningful SEND initiatives that directly impact the community in Liverpool. The flexibility of remote working, combined with the opportunity to engage with various agencies and partners, makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal in shaping quality services for children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Schools PFI Expiry) in Southampton
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Schools PFI Expiry) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Positive Employment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Positive Employment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
