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- Tasks: Lead education capital projects and ensure sufficient school places across the East Midlands.
- Company: Local authority focused on children's services and education sufficiency.
- Benefits: £500 a day, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusive education planning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education provision and community impact.
- Qualifications: Degree level qualification and experience in project management.
We are currently supporting a local authority in the recruitment of an Education Capital and Place Planning Officer to support the delivery of statutory duties relating to education sufficiency, school place planning, and education capital projects across the East Midlands. This role will play a key part in ensuring sufficient education provision across the area through strategic place planning, capital programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and the development of new educational provision.
Reporting to the Head of Access and Sufficiency, the successful candidate will lead and coordinate education capital and school organisation functions within their locality, working closely with schools, contractors, developers, statutory bodies, and internal teams.
The Opportunity
- Support the Council’s statutory duty to secure sufficient school places across the East Midlands.
- Contribute to the commissioning and establishment of new education provision in partnership with statutory bodies and stakeholders.
- Lead and coordinate the delivery of education capital projects, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
- Support maintained schools with estate improvement programmes, including decarbonisation initiatives and implementation of the Department for Education’s Good Estate Management System (GEMS).
- Facilitate academy conversion processes for maintained schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Process funding agreements for education capital projects alongside legal teams.
- Provide project management support for new school builds and capital schemes.
- Prepare briefing notes and executive reports for strategic boards, senior leaders, and elected members.
- Undertake statutory school place planning responsibilities, working collaboratively with admissions teams, headteachers, planning officers, developers, and contractors.
- Monitor planning applications and secure Section 106 contributions to support education infrastructure.
- Manage external consultants and contractors, monitoring project progress, risks, deliverables, and compliance.
- Lead project consultation and communication strategies, including stakeholder engagement and statutory consultations.
- Respond to complex enquiries, including those from Members, MPs, and Freedom of Information requests.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, DfE guidance, and best practice relating to education capital delivery and school sufficiency.
- Support schools in developing Asset Management Plans and identifying funding opportunities linked to decarbonisation and estate improvements.
Requirements
- Degree level qualification or equivalent (e.g. NVQ Level 4 or HNC).
- Evidence of continued professional development.
- Experience managing or contributing to commissioning, procurement, or tendering processes for capital projects.
- Knowledge of demographic analysis, school capacity planning, and the impact of housing developments on education provision.
- Understanding of DfE design guidance, Education Act 2011 responsibilities, and local authority statutory duties regarding school place sufficiency.
How to Apply
Please apply online or contact Abbie Carr at Spirehouse for a confidential discussion. Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency. We practise a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all individuals.
Education Planning Manager employer: Spirehouse Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Spirehouse Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in capital projects. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with school place planning and capital projects. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; approach local authorities directly. Express your interest in contributing to their education sufficiency goals and how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team in making a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in education capital projects and school place planning. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the Education Act 2011 and local authority duties in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are up-to-date with legislation and best practices, so include any relevant training or professional development you've undertaken.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Understand the statutory duties related to education sufficiency and school place planning, as well as the specifics of capital projects. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about what it entails.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in this area. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with schools, contractors, or local authorities in the past. This will highlight your ability to build relationships and work effectively with various parties.
✨Project Management Prowess
Be ready to discuss your project management skills, especially in relation to education capital projects. Have specific examples at hand that showcase your ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. Mention any tools or methodologies you’ve used to keep projects on track.
✨Stay Updated
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and guidance from the Department for Education. Being able to discuss recent changes or best practices in education capital delivery will demonstrate your commitment to staying informed and your readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.