At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of innovative SEN school projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while managing impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in built environment and project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Education Capital Project Manager to lead the delivery of a high-profile £11 million Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools development programme.
As a key member of the team, you will act as a client-side project manager, overseeing projects from procurement through to construction and completion. Reporting to the Education Property Development Manager, you will lead the delivery of two new SEN schools on existing mainstream school sites, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of major SEN school developments (RIBA Stages 4-7)
- Manage procurement of consultants, contractors, and delivery partners
- Oversee construction, budgets, timelines, and overall project performance
- Monitor risk, governance, and regulatory compliance
- Champion sustainable design and decarbonisation initiatives
- Collaborate with schools, Children's Services, PMO, and external partners
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and councillors
- Support wider regeneration and education estate programmes
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent) in a built environment discipline (e.g., architecture, engineering, surveying)
- Professional project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner)
- Strong understanding of project/programme management methodologies
- Experience delivering construction projects within a local authority or similar setting
- A strong track record managing medium-to-large scale developments
- Expertise in budgets, contracts, consultants, and contractors
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
- Strong organisational, analytical, and risk management capabilities
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to quality delivery
Benefits
- Competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, bank holidays, and the option to buy additional leave
- Wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary for LGPS members
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years with insurance, servicing, and road tax included
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
Education Capital Project Manager in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading. With a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and flexible working opportunities, alongside unique benefits such as an on-site nursery and a lease car scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the community through the delivery of vital educational projects, while enjoying a supportive culture that champions diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Capital Project Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in managing SEN projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered similar projects, focusing on your experience with budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainable design and decarbonisation initiatives. Employers love candidates who are proactive about these issues, so be sure to highlight any relevant experience or ideas you have during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Capital Project Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Education Capital Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with SEN projects, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to quality delivery and sustainable design.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with managing construction projects, especially within local authorities. We love seeing a strong track record in medium-to-large scale developments!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specifics of the SEN school developments mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with similar projects, especially around RIBA Stages 4-7, and how you’ve successfully managed timelines and budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong engagement with senior stakeholders and councillors. Prepare examples of how you've built relationships and influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and any successful collaborations with external partners.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
The interviewers will be looking for a proactive, solutions-focused approach. Think of specific challenges you’ve faced in project management and how you overcame them. This will show that you can handle risks and ensure quality delivery.
✨Align with Their Values
Reading Borough Council champions sustainable design and decarbonisation initiatives. Research their current projects and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's mission.
