At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage PFI contracts for schools, ensuring compliance and financial controls.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's dynamic team focused on education facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to safeguarding and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the education sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in PFI contracts and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Grade and Working Hours: Grade D - £45,091 – £51,356. Working 36.5 hours per week.
About The Team: Our team delivers the Council’s statutory responsibilities for PFI/BSF contract management, overseeing four schools PFI contracts covering 28 schools across Birmingham. This includes managing complex commercial and financial arrangements, monitoring lifecycle and performance delivery, and ensuring compliance with contractual and statutory obligations. A key focus of the service is supporting contract expiry and hand back planning, working proactively with contractors and stakeholders to ensure assets are returned in the required condition and long‑term value is safeguarded for the Council and schools. You will join a collaborative, high‑performing service that works closely with schools, academies, contractors, and internal partners to ensure safe, compliant, and value‑for‑money education facilities across Birmingham.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert financial and contractual analysis across four Schools PFI contracts.
- Lead on variations, invoicing, penalty deductions, and financial reporting.
- Manage financial controls including PFI credits, GAG funding, and monthly/annual reporting.
- Produce contract appraisal reports, risk registers, and compliance documentation.
- Audit financial elements such as lifecycle, PPM, FF&E and contractor cost submissions.
- Mentor junior staff involved in financial functions.
Ideal Candidate:
- PFI financial experience.
- Strong understanding of payment mechanisms, KPIs, and contract law.
- Skilled in analysing financial models and producing high‑quality performance reports.
- Excellent communication, problem‑solving and IT skills.
- Skilled in report writing, chairing meetings, and stakeholder engagement.
Contracts Officer – Estate & Facilities Management Focus:
- Hard & Soft FM, asset management, statutory compliance, condition audits, and estates‑related contract performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical expertise on estate and FM elements of Schools PFI contracts.
- Review service delivery models, method statements, and performance against contractual obligations.
- Oversee variation works, project plans, costings, and compliance with agreed outcomes.
- Conduct condition audits, statutory compliance checks, and site inspections.
- Support dispute resolution between schools and contractors.
- Produce statutory and performance reports and contribute to contract renegotiation activities.
Ideal Candidate:
- Professional qualification in Facilities Management, H&S, Surveying, or related discipline.
- Strong experience in PFI, estates, Hard/Soft FM, or public‑sector asset management.
- Confident in analysing technical data, identifying defects, and recommending solutions.
- Skilled in report writing, chairing meetings, and stakeholder engagement.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to interpret complex contractual information.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Confidence working independently and within a team.
- Commitment to delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services.
- Ability to have transferrable skills as both posts will have similar duties and cover each role.
EEO & Safeguarding: Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Contracts Officer in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and high-performing work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the education facilities across Birmingham. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities to mentor junior staff and enhance your skills in financial controls and contract management, all while enjoying a competitive salary and a focus on work-life balance. Join us in safeguarding the long-term value of our community's educational assets and be part of a team that values compliance, quality, and stakeholder engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Officer in Birmingham
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like WMJobs looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at WMJobs. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with WMJobs’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
