At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting education construction projects and make a difference in the community.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing construction projects and strong people management skills.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent, Full‑Time, Senior Project Lead (Education) to join Southampton City Council in the Construction Project Delivery Service area.
We are looking for a confident and experienced Senior Project Lead within the Built Environment to undertake a leadership role in our Construction Projects Delivery service area. The successful candidate will be responsible for the successful delivery of a range of construction projects, with a focus on education schemes, including the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Programme.
You will be comfortable taking ownership and leading a wider project team, and will be astute to the political nature of the public sector. Well‑developed analytical skills and evidence of positive people management, including the ability to coach others, is key for this role, as well as the ability to build relationships with and manage senior stakeholders.
You will have experience of successfully managing significant construction schemes, ensuring they are planned and executed to achieve milestones and deliverables, within budget and resource agreements. Evidence of a governance focused approach and clear reporting is expected, alongside achieving cultural and behavioural change to improve the experience and outcomes for our customers.
This is a permanent position. Please note that appointments are usually made at the bottom of the salary scale.
To apply for the position please select the 'Apply for this job' button at the bottom of the page. The supporting statement section of the application form must be completed, unless there are specific criteria questions for you to evidence against. Applications are shortlisted against the essential and desirable criteria found within the job description for the post. Please refer to the job description when completing your application form and evidence how you meet the required criteria/questions. A CV on its own will not be considered.
Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications that are made through a third party agency. We cannot guarantee that any correspondence sent from third party agencies will be responded to. To ensure your application is received please apply directly through our website.
We are proud to be DisabilityConfident and support fair recruitment practices. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. It is committed to delivering services to ensure they are happy, safe and have opportunities to reach their goals as responsible members of our community. We believe it is always unacceptable for a child, young person or adult to experience abuse of any kind, and recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare. We are committed to following safe practices to ensure this and expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
As a Corporate Parent we are actively aiming to support all our children in care (looked after children) and care leavers. Any applicants who are children in care or care leavers, who meet the essential criteria for the post applied for, will be guaranteed an interview.
What we can offer you:
- Salary: The salary band for this role is £57,755 – £65,222 per annum. The starting salary is £57,755 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- 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 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Senior Project Lead - Education in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join our vibrant partnership of six schools in Southampton and the New Forest, where we prioritise a rich learning experience for every child. As a Classroom Play Assistant, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to nurturing confident learners and responsible citizens. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a fulfilling work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Lead - Education in Southampton
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Southampton City Council, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Project Lead - Education at Southampton City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Lead - Education in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
