At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for Schools PFI contract expiry and ensure smooth service transition.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, volunteering, and health support in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local education while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Schools PFI Expiry Manager within Contracting and Procurement (C&P). This role will lead and coordinate the Council's planning and early delivery activity for the expiry of the Schools PFI contract, ensuring we protect the Council's service, financial and commercial interests and achieve a successful exit. The role will also support the management of the Schools PFI contract to ensure it operates effectively, delivers excellent services and value for money, and that contractual risks and change are handled robustly. It will play a key role within the wider PFI Expiry Project, sharing learning to support expiry planning for other relevant contracts.
We are looking for someone with significant experience in contract/commercial management, with a track record of managing complex projects or programmes. You must be able to interpret contract terms, translate obligations into practical expiry and demobilisation activity, coordinate asset and service handover, and work with stakeholders to maintain statutory compliance and high-quality records and evidence. You must have strong communication and influencing skills, and be able to build effective relationships with Council colleagues, schools, central government bodies, partners and advisers. The role requires a proactive, collaborative and pragmatic approach to protect the Council's interests while enabling high-quality outcomes and value for money.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate planning and early delivery for the Schools PFI contract expiry.
- Ensure protection of the Council's service, financial and commercial interests.
- Support management of the Schools PFI contract to operate effectively, deliver excellent services and value for money.
- Handle contractual risks and change robustly.
- Act as a key contributor within the wider PFI Expiry Project, sharing learning to support expiry planning for other contracts.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in contract or commercial management, with a track record of managing complex projects or programmes.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret contract terms.
- Experience in expiry and demobilisation activity and coordinating asset and service handover.
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, collaborative and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Benefits
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution.
- Death in service benefit of three times salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC.
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role-dependent).
- Family‑friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption, shared/unpaid parental leave, time off for dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support – employee assistance programme, menopause pledge, mental health first aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the armed forces covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with two paid days leave to volunteer.
Contact Details
For more information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Katie Renouard – Head of Contracting via email at katie.renouard@southampton.gov.uk or call 02380 833433. Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk. Tel: 023 8083 4033.
Schools PFI Expiry Manager in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. The collaborative environment fosters strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in delivering high-quality services and value for money.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools PFI Expiry Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with PFI contracts. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your contract management knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled complex projects or managed contractual risks in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, demonstrate how you build relationships with stakeholders. Share stories that highlight your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the Council's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools PFI Expiry Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contract management and complex project delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the Schools PFI Expiry Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication and influencing skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully built relationships or navigated complex discussions.
Be Proactive in Your Approach:We’re looking for someone who takes initiative! In your application, share instances where you’ve proactively solved problems or improved processes. This will show us that you have the right mindset for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Schools PFI contract and any relevant terms. Be prepared to discuss how you would interpret these terms in practical scenarios, especially regarding expiry and demobilisation activities.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your experience in managing complex projects or programmes. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to coordinate asset and service handover while ensuring compliance and high-quality outcomes.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Emphasise your strong communication and influencing skills. Think of ways you've successfully built relationships with various stakeholders in the past, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Be Proactive and Pragmatic
Demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in contract management, and how you can apply this mindset to protect the Council's interests.
