Div h3 Overview /h3 p b Job Title: /b Interim Head of Schools Programmes (PFI & BSF) /p p b Directorate: /b City Development /p p b Service Area: /b Capital Projects and Sustainability /p p b Grade: /b Grade 14 /p p b Job Type: /b Interim (up to 6 months) Hybrid working (approx. 3 days in office, 2 days remote) /p p b Location: /b Cunard Building, Liverpool Waterfront /p p b Job Purpose /b /p p 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. /p p 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. /p p 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. /p h3 Key Responsibilities /h3 p b Programme & Project Delivery /b /p ul li Lead the delivery of the schools capital programme, including expansions, refurbishments, and condition improvement schemes /li li Oversee projects through all RIBA stages from inception to completion /li li Ensure programmes are delivered to agreed time, cost, quality, and risk parameters /li li Maintain robust project governance, including delivery plans, milestones, and risk registers /li /ul p b PFI & BSF Contract Management /b /p ul li Provide strategic oversight of PFI and BSF contracts /li li Ensure effective contract compliance, performance monitoring, and stakeholder management /li li Lead preparation for contract expiry, transition planning, and associated risks /li li Manage senior contract managers and external advisors supporting PFI/BSF programmes /li /ul p b Leadership & Team Management /b /p ul li Lead and manage Programme Managers, Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, and external consultants /li li Ensure effective performance management, workforce planning, and staff development /li li Foster a high-performing, collaborative delivery culture /li /ul p b Stakeholder Engagement /b /p ul li Work closely with senior stakeholders including: ul li Director of Education /li li Department for Education (DfE) /li li Headteachers and school leadership teams /li li Diocese and governing bodies /li /ul /li li Act as senior representative for the Council in education capital matters /li /ul p b Financial & Commercial Management /b /p ul li Manage programme budgets and ensure delivery within financial constraints /li li Produce and monitor financial forecasts, reports, and cost plans /li li Identify efficiencies, funding opportunities, and value for money improvements /li li Oversee procurement of consultants, contractors, and specialist services /li /ul p b Strategy, Sustainability & Compliance /b /p ul li Ensure all projects align with Council sustainability and net zero objectives /li li Embed environmental standards including BREEAM, biodiversity net gain, and low-carbon design principles /li li Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations, Building Regulations, and relevant DfE guidance /li li Act as Intelligent Client, ensuring effective challenge and control of external providers /li /ul p b Governance & Reporting /b /p ul li Provide regular programme updates, reports, and briefings to senior leadership /li li Ensure effective decision-making frameworks and governance structures are in place /li li Support development of business cases and funding submissions /li /ul h3 Person Specification /h3 p b Essential Requirements /b /p p b Qualifications /b /p ul li Degree in a built environment discipline (e.g. Architecture, Surveying, Engineering) /li li Professional qualification (RICS, CIOB, RIBA, or equivalent) /li li Project management qualification (e.g. APM, RICS, CIOB) /li /ul p b Experience /b /p ul li Extensive experience delivering large-scale education or public sector capital programmes /li li Proven track record managing multidisciplinary teams and external consultants /li li Strong experience in school construction, expansion, or estates programmes /li li Experience managing PFI and/or complex long-term contracts /li li Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience /li li Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts /li li Experience working within local authority or wider public sector environments /li li Experience managing stakeholders at senior and political levels /li /ul p b Skills & Knowledge /b /p ul li Strong leadership and team management capability /li li Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills /li li Strong understanding of construction delivery processes (RIBA stages) /li li Knowledge of sustainability standards and building regulations /li li Ability to act as Intelligent Client on complex programmes /li li Strong analytical, reporting, and decision-making skills /li /ul p b Other Requirements /b /p ul li Ability to undertake site visits as required /li li Commitment to public sector values, equality, and social value outcomes /li li Ability to operate in a high-pressure, politically sensitive environment /li /ul p b Key Competencies /b /p ul li Leadership and direction /li li Programme and project delivery excellence /li li Financial and commercial acumen /li li Stakeholder management and influence /li li Risk and issue management /li li Commitment to sustainability and social value /li /ul /div #J-18808-Ljbffr