Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Full Time 37 hours per week | Fixed Term 2 year contract
Are you ready to lead a high‑profile programme that delivers real impact across Lancashire?
Join us as the Programme Director and lead the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme delivered through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). In this role you will bring together legal, financial, and operational perspectives to ensure that the council’s PFI objectives are delivered effectively.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape complex, long‑term arrangements and secure the best possible outcomes for our schools, pupils, and communities.
In this role, you will:
1. Provide strategic leadership and accountability for the council’s PFI portfolio, ensuring strong commercial oversight, contractual compliance, and excellent value for money.
2. Coordinate all legal, financial, and operational activity related to PFI management balancing differing views, resolving competing priorities, and ensuring well‑governed delivery.
3. Work closely with senior colleagues across Growth, Property, Finance, Legal, and Education to ensure PFI strategy aligns with wider corporate objectives.
A key priority will be leading our coordinated response to an ongoing dispute bringing together legal considerations, operational needs of schools, and financial.
Please note: this role is initially being offered on a fixed term basis for two years.
What We’re Looking For
4. Extensive senior‑level experience within PFI environments, with the ability to lead complex commercial, financial, and contractual programmes.
5. Experience advising senior stakeholders with confidence, clarity, and authority.
6. A proven ability to deliver strategic outcomes that maximise value for money, manage risk, and ensure strong contractual performance.
7. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, capable of building trust and credibility with senior leaders, partners, and external agencies.
8. The ability to lead through complexity, inspire confidence, and bring clarity to high‑stakes, multi‑agency environments.
How to Apply
Please upload your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how you meet the criteria and leadership qualities we are seeking.
For a confidential conversation with Simon Lawrence (Director of Growth and Property) about the role, please contact Paulina Landeros Vera date: 4 May 2026 Interviews: 14 May 2026
Why Lancashire County Council?
At Lancashire County Council, we want you to thrive. We offer:
9. A competitive salary and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
10. 26 days’ annual leave, rising with service, plus bank holidays and additional statutory days
11. Opportunities for professional development, coaching, and further qualifications
12. Access to staff benefits and discounts through our Vivup scheme
This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the long‑term future of an essential service area and deliver lasting improvements for communities across Lancashire.