Job Title: Interim Head of Operational and Commercial Capital Projects
Location: Liverpool (Hybrid - 3 Days Office / 2 Days Remote)
Contract: Interim / Temporary - 12 Weeks (Potential Extension)
Start Date: 16 March 2026
Hours: 35 hours per week
Rate:
* PAYE: £605.56 per day
* Umbrella/Limited: £800 per day
* IR35: Inside IR35
Interim Head of Operational and Commercial Capital Projects
Ribble Recruitment is supporting the recruitment of an Interim Head of Operational and Commercial Capital Projects to lead the delivery of a diverse and high-value capital programme within a major local authority.
This senior interim position will oversee the delivery of a wide range of capital projects including schools, heritage buildings, leisure centres, and operational depots, with project values ranging from £500k to £40m+.
The role requires an experienced capital projects leader capable of managing complex programmes, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and in line with strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage Programme Managers, Senior Project Managers, and Project Managers delivering capital projects.
* Oversee the delivery of complex construction and infrastructure projects from inception through to completion.
* Work closely with senior stakeholders including Directors, project sponsors, and external partners.
* Act as the Intelligent Client for major capital programmes.
* Develop business cases, delivery strategies, and programme plans.
* Manage project budgets, financial forecasting, and risk management.
* Procure and manage consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
* Ensure sustainability objectives, including BREEAM and environmental standards, are embedded in projects.
* Monitor programme performance to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
* Conduct site visits and oversee project progress where required.
Leadership & Management Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership to capital project teams.
* Ensure effective workforce planning, performance management, and professional development.
* Lead programme governance and ensure robust reporting and accountability frameworks.
* Drive innovation, efficiency, and social value outcomes across the capital programme.
Essential Requirements
* Professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as RICS, RIBA, CIOB, or ACE.
* Recognised construction or project management qualification (e.g., APM, RICS, CIOB).
* Extensive experience delivering major capital construction projects.
* Experience managing multidisciplinary built environment teams.
* Experience acting as Client Project Manager on large-scale projects.
* Strong experience with JCT or NEC contracts and contract administration.
* Knowledge of planning processes, building regulations, sustainability standards, and CDM regulations.
* Experience managing complex project budgets and procurement processes.
Desirable
* Experience delivering capital programmes within the public sector or local government.
* Knowledge of BREEAM, sustainability frameworks, and biodiversity net gain (BNG).
* MBA or postgraduate leadership qualification.
Working Arrangements
* Hybrid working model
* 3 days per week in the Liverpool office
* 2 days remote working