Overview Job Title: Interim Head of Schools Programmes (PFI & BSF)
Directorate: City Development
Service Area: Capital Projects and Sustainability
Grade: Grade 14
Job Type: Interim (up to 6 months) Hybrid working (approx. 3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Location: Cunard Building, Liverpool Waterfront
Job Purpose
Liverpool City Council is seeking an experienced interim Head of Schools Programmes to lead and manage a complex portfolio of education capital projects, including school expansions (mainstream and SEND), condition improvement works, and legacy PFI and BSF programmes.
The postholder will provide strategic leadership for the delivery of the schools capital programme (circa £80m), ensuring high-quality, timely and cost-effective outcomes that support the Council’s ambition for a modern, sustainable and inclusive education estate.
This role requires a highly experienced built environment professional who can operate at pace, provide strong leadership to multidisciplinary teams, and act as the Council’s senior client representative across all education capital delivery.
Key Responsibilities Programme & Project Delivery
Lead the delivery of the schools capital programme, including expansions, refurbishments, and condition improvement schemes
Oversee projects through all RIBA stages from inception to completion
Ensure programmes are delivered to agreed time, cost, quality, and risk parameters
Maintain robust project governance, including delivery plans, milestones, and risk registers
PFI & BSF Contract Management
Provide strategic oversight of PFI and BSF contracts
Ensure effective contract compliance, performance monitoring, and stakeholder management
Lead preparation for contract expiry, transition planning, and associated risks
Manage senior contract managers and external advisors supporting PFI/BSF programmes
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and manage Programme Managers, Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, and external consultants
Ensure effective performance management, workforce planning, and staff development
Foster a high-performing, collaborative delivery culture
Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with senior stakeholders including: Director of Education
Department for Education (DfE)
Headteachers and school leadership teams
Diocese and governing bodies
Act as senior representative for the Council in education capital matters
Financial & Commercial Management
Manage programme budgets and ensure delivery within financial constraints
Produce and monitor financial forecasts, reports, and cost plans
Identify efficiencies, funding opportunities, and value for money improvements
Oversee procurement of consultants, contractors, and specialist services
Strategy, Sustainability & Compliance
Ensure all projects align with Council sustainability and net zero objectives
Embed environmental standards including BREEAM, biodiversity net gain, and low-carbon design principles
Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, Building Regulations, and relevant DfE guidance
Act as Intelligent Client, ensuring effective challenge and control of external providers
Governance & Reporting
Provide regular programme updates, reports, and briefings to senior leadership
Ensure effective decision-making frameworks and governance structures are in place
Support development of business cases and funding submissions
Person Specification Essential Requirements
Qualifications
Degree in a built environment discipline (e.g. Architecture, Surveying, Engineering)
Professional qualification (RICS, CIOB, RIBA, or equivalent)
Project management qualification (e.g. APM, RICS, CIOB)
Experience
Extensive experience delivering large-scale education or public sector capital programmes
Proven track record managing multidisciplinary teams and external consultants
Strong experience in school construction, expansion, or estates programmes
Experience managing PFI and/or complex long-term contracts
Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience
Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts
Experience working within local authority or wider public sector environments
Experience managing stakeholders at senior and political levels
Skills & Knowledge
Strong leadership and team management capability
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Strong understanding of construction delivery processes (RIBA stages)
Knowledge of sustainability standards and building regulations
Ability to act as Intelligent Client on complex programmes
Strong analytical, reporting, and decision-making skills
Other Requirements
Ability to undertake site visits as required
Commitment to public sector values, equality, and social value outcomes
Ability to operate in a high-pressure, politically sensitive environment
Key Competencies
Leadership and direction
Programme and project delivery excellence
Financial and commercial acumen
Stakeholder management and influence
Risk and issue management
Commitment to sustainability and social value
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