Job Description
Join Us as a Project Manager - Education!
Location: Homebased - Nationwide Travel Required
Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum (Dependent on Experience)
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme
About Polaris
At Polaris, we are proud to be one of the UK's leading communities of children's service providers. For over 30 years, we have passionately improved the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, Leaving Care services, Residential, Education, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We are ambitious for our children, young people, families, and staff, and we believe in their futures.
Your Role
We are on the lookout for an experienced Project Manager to join our Organic Growth team. In this pivotal role, you will drive our plans to develop new schools, ensuring that we provide outstanding education to our young people across our community.
If you are motivated, skilled, and passionate about making a difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career! You will ensure that new schools open on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify potential new sites proactively and efficiently.
* Manage the establishment of new schools from purchase through to opening.
* Support the production and monitoring of planning applications.
* Ensure all construction and refurbishments comply with the Building Safety Act.
* Manage projects to agreed timeframes and budgets.
* Build and establish a suitable contractor base to minimize project downtime.
* Assess and procure all required works, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations.
* Collaborate with education specialists to ensure regulatory compliance (Ofsted, LA, etc.) for timely school openings.
* Work alongside our Estates Team to develop site maintenance schedules.
* Develop relationships with LA commissioning teams to understand demand for schools and agree on key commercial terms.
* Coordinate with central functions to ensure resources are in place and Marketing is informed of timelines.
* Develop and maintain project plans and reporting documentation for successful project delivery.
About You
* Post-Project Management qualification experience (all levels considered).
* Up-to-date knowledge of RICS requirements and relevant legislation.
* Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
* Ability to think strategically, creatively, and under pressure.
* Highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities.
* Confident working independently and collaboratively with stakeholders.
* Experience in managing and delivering projects within budget.
* Possess a full valid driving license.
Polaris is an equal opportunities employer, positively encouraging applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing prior to appointment.