JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible to: Head of Service, Minor Capital Delivery, Operations and Estates
Reporting to: Locality Managers – Minor Capital Delivery, O&E
Job Purpose
The overall purpose of the role is to manage and develop projects as part of the portfolio of services outlined below. As a member of the Minor Capital Delivery Service (MiCD), the Senior Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on meeting the needs of children and young people through provision of equal access to excellent services.
The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for assisting with developing all aspects of Minor capital delivery across the EA, including Minor works in school settings in both the controlled and non‑controlled sectors as well as other earmarked and special initiatives. They will be accountable to the MiCD Head of Service and Locality/Service Managers for the effective management and delivery of all Minor capital works, with significant input across all education sectors.
This will require on‑going liaison with the Department of Education (DE) to ensure planning and delivery of Minor capital projects is in line with policy and complies with DE capital standards. It also requires close liaison and negotiation with other sectorial bodies when delivering Minor capital works in non‑controlled settings.
The Senior Project Manager will advise and support the Head of Service and Locality/Service Managers in the development of the strategic direction for these services and will work closely with other Managers, Heads of Service, Assistant Directors and the SMT within the EA to ensure that Minor capital development supports the area planning process and is in line with service requirements.
The Senior Project Manager will work with colleagues across EA Directorates to ensure that proposals and project governance (as set by the Service), are delivered to enhance the operations of the Authority; and ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people. They will also play a key role in realising the transformation objectives within the service and across other Directorates.
The Senior Project Manager will assist and support as required the annual business planning process within the Infrastructure and Capital Development Division and thereby contribute to the achievement of the EA’s overall corporate objectives. The post‑holder will be responsible for providing advice, support and guidance to the EA Board, its Committees and other relevant organisations as appropriate.
The Senior Project Manager will be a qualified construction professional in the role of a Senior Project Manager responsible to the Head of Service and the Locality Managers (South West, North, East and Service Managers (Youth/Other Capital, Capital Commercial Managers).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Professional Services of a Project Manager
* Review and design architectural designs.
* Plan, develop & implement building design.
* Compile feasibility reports, determine environmental impact, create project proposals.
* Ensure all designs are compliant with regulations and guidance documents.
* Make managerial, architectural and technical decisions throughout the design, production and construction phases on the Education Authority’s in‑house and external projects.
* Develop and interpret a range of design research, programme, plan and design applying knowledge of architectural design construction, detailing, specification, construction procedures, planning & building control, building materials, specifications & systems.
* Research and maintain knowledge of various disciplines, application methods, and materials.
* Provide advice and architectural assistance when required on matters concerning building maintenance and technical standards.
* Monitor the work of other Project Managers/Architects and make recommendations or schedule workshops as required.
* Manage and supervise the in‑house technical staff working on projects allocated to the Senior Project Manager.
* Network and consult with various industry professionals.
* Carry out the full range of professional duties of a Principal Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM Regulations) including:
* Make managerial and technical decisions for staff implementing the CDM Regulations on notifiable projects;
* Advise and monitor the architectural staff on issues relating to the CDM Regulations.
* Train, supervise and monitor all architectural and maintenance staff in the implementation of the CDM Regulations;
* Act as the Education Authority’s Principal Designer when required to do so.
Project Management
* Lead, manage, coordinate and participate in the procurement, design and implementation of the following services: overall responsibility for the successful procurement, initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling, administration, and closure of projects or workstreams allocated to them.
* Be responsible for managing and delivering a work portfolio that may contain several strands within a programme, project or workstream.
* Work closely with team members to ensure that all project requirements, deadlines, and schedules are on track, including submitting or reviewing project deliverables, preparing status reports, establishing effective project communication plans, proper execution of plans, monitoring requirements and standards, and ensuring projects meet time, cost and quality constraints.
* Ensure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule, in line with agreed parameters/budgets set by the Head of Service/Locality Manager.
* Manage the risk profile of the project and provide early warning on all assurance matters.
* Escalate issues appropriately, in accordance with project governance.
* Act as a Client Advisor / Project Manager / Project Sponsor on projects.
* Act as the service representative when engaging with other Directorates and Services, Department of Education (DE), Boards of Governors and external suppliers, providing project management advice and enabling the provision of projects required for transformation.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities
* Supervise, manage, and lead teams engaged in the development of projects and management of contracts, including the in‑house technical team on projects allocated to the Project Managers, service staff aligned to projects or workstreams, and internal Clerk of Works allocated to projects.
* Supervise and manage external Design Teams, Contractors, architects and consultants on individual projects to ensure the projects are completed to the required standards, on time and within budget.
* Supervise and manage the EA’s professional and technical staff with the implementation of the CDM Regulations on individual projects.
Decision Making
* Make managerial, architectural and technical decisions throughout the design, production and construction phases of the EA’s in‑house and external projects.
* Make managerial and technical decisions for staff implementing the CDM Regulations on notifiable projects.
Work Complexity
* A qualified construction professional in the application of specific projects and other relevant matters in which ICD is involved.
* A Senior Architect/Senior Project Manager/Principal Designer.
Culture and Values
* Promote the corporate vision, values and culture of the EA, including managing and leading others.
* Improve, challenge and coach colleagues and teams, helping them fine‑tune skills, improve industry knowledge and service delivery.
* Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role‑modeling core values and leadership behaviours.
* Contribute to transformational change, structures, strategies, policies and processes.
Collaborate Working
* Enhance the development of the service by building effective relationships.
* Manage effective communication plans and consultation with stakeholders.
* Contribute to meetings, in accordance with corporate goals and service requirements.
* Develop links and relationships with:
* Colleagues across the Authority’s Directorates, Senior Responsible Officers, Department of Education (DE), Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC), the Council for the Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), the Governing Bodies Association (GBANI), Boards of Governors, Statutory Bodies, External Consultants, Contractors and suppliers.
* Liaise with the public.
Creative Work
* Provide professional and technical design and development in the delivering of the MiCD works programme.
* Challenge conventional approaches, harness new approaches and maximise efficiencies.
Other Duties
* Provide professional support and advice to Stakeholders.
* Provide non‑managerial support, information and training, as required.
* Provide advice and assistance on building maintenance and technical standards, when required.
* Undertake training, as may be required, for personal and professional development.
* Contribute and assist in service development, planning, implementation, and monitoring.
* Contribute and assist in the development of policies, plans and objectives.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory legislation.
* Ensure risks are assessed, monitored, managed, and controlled effectively.
* Participate and/or undertake review processes to enable compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures, maintaining and enhancing the high standards of the Authority.
* Prepare, maintain, manage, review and deliver effective reports and financial controls.
* Monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity, and value for money.
* Completely deliver an advisory service to all professional and technical staff on matters relevant to the CDM regulations.
* Lead, manage and participate in design teams in the design, production, supervision and contract administration stages of projects allocated to the Senior Project Manager.
* Coordinate and manage design teams, advise and monitor on the EA’s requirements and standards to ensure the completed projects are to the required standard, on time and within the allocated budget.
* Represent the service and/or deputise for the Locality/Service Manager as required.
* Undertake such other duties relevant to the post as directed by the Locality/Service Manager.
* Assist in the delivery of Major Capital Delivery Programme, as required by the business needs of the Infrastructure and Capital Development Division.
* Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to their duties and responsibilities.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria (Section 1)
* Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher in a construction related discipline.
* Either be a Chartered Member of one of the following: MRICS or FRICS, RIBA, RIAI, CIOB, the Chartered Institute of Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, or the British Institute of Architectural Technologists, with a minimum of two years relevant post‑chartered experience providing a full range of relevant architectural/project management services.
* Or have a minimum of five years relevant post‑degree experience providing a full range of relevant architectural/project management services.
* Demonstrable experience of the successful leadership, management and delivery of a high volume of complex Minor Capital Projects/SEN Placement Programme with evidence of knowledge and experience of: financial management reporting and control measures, analysis and interpretation of information, governance.
* Demonstrable experience of regularly and directly supporting and advising senior management in complex operational situations across Directorates.
* Demonstrable experience of sound and effective management of people to achieve challenging targets and objectives through the engagement of teams.
Essential Criteria (Section 2) – Interview/Selection Stage
* Sound knowledge of the EA SEN Placement Programme.
* Sound knowledge of the functions of the Education Authority’s business and finance processes, knowledge of EA policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of the requirements of a Senior Project Manager.
* Knowledge of statutory obligations and guidance including the DENI Handbooks.
* Good organisational skills and ability to organise a busy workload to deliver effective results on time, demonstrating flexibility to meet changing demand.
* Ability to take a responsive and customer focused approach to work.
* Excellent ICT skills in particular CAD.
* Ability to work to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
* Strong collaborative skills to build genuine and productive relationships with internal & external stakeholders.
* Excellent proven analytical & creative thinking and an informed evidence‑based approach to decision‑making.
* Evidence of how experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.
Desirable Criteria (Section 3)
* Demonstrable experience of working closely with EA SEN Placement working group to achieve successful delivery of construction capital projects.
* Chartered Member with five Year post qualification experience.
Other
* Access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) to carry out the mobility requirements of the post. Alternatively, provide sufficient information that the applicant has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
Applicant Guidance Notes
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
Benefits
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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