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- Tasks: Lead strategic projects to enhance education and social mobility for young people.
- Company: Star Academies, a high-performing multi-academy trust dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping the future of young people.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with travel across England for new school projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Star Academies is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of a range of strategic projects, including the development of the Eton Star Partnership and its sixth form colleges, the opening of new free schools, academy conversions, and wider business change initiatives across the Trust. The Eton Star Partnership combines the global reputation and heritage of Eton College with Star Academies’ national track record for excellence and inclusion. Its mission is to elevate the life chances of young people from disadvantaged communities through exceptional education, strengthened social mobility, and the development of civic agency.
As part of this mission, the partnership is opening new sixth‑form free schools in Dudley and Oldham, offering a highly academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities, and tailored preparation for progression to top universities and degree apprenticeships. In this role, you will provide high‑quality strategic and operational project management support for the establishment of the Eton Star sixth forms. Alongside the Eton Star projects, you will lead and support additional projects relating to new schools, academy conversions and organisational change initiatives across the Trust.
Working closely with colleagues from Eton College, Star Academies, local authorities and the Department for Education, you will develop and manage comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre‑opening and mobilisation. If you are an experienced project manager looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping high‑profile education projects that will raise standards, extend opportunity, and contribute to social mobility for young people across our communities.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects successfully. You will be able to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail and will be confident in establishing teams, managing workstreams, solving problems, and driving progress in fast‑moving environments. You will bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build positive and productive relationships with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners. Your ability to analyse information, spot risks early, and provide clear, evidence‑based reporting will be key to ensuring the success of each project. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential.
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high‑performing multi‑academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values‑based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59.
- Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026
- Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible
For more information and to apply online, please go to: Star Academies | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career - Job Information | Apply for Senior Project Manager. Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Senior Project Manager in Blackburn employer: Star Academies
Contact Detail:
Star Academies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or project management field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Star Academies and the Eton Star Partnership thoroughly. Knowing their mission and values will help you show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of past projects where you’ve led teams and delivered results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Star Academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex projects. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Senior Project Manager role at Star Academies.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've driven progress and solved problems in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can make.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Star Academies
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific projects mentioned in the job description, especially the Eton Star Partnership. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these initiatives and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Highlight your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder expectations in past projects, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, so be ready to share your strategies for identifying risks early and implementing effective solutions.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Prepare to discuss your methods for staying organised and ensuring that all workstreams are on track. Mention any tools or techniques you use to manage your time effectively.
