Project Manager

INTRODUCTION

This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to take on a key role (three days per week) in overseeing developments to the site and buildings of our high performing School, initially for a period of three years. 

The Project Manager will report directly to Headmaster or his designated representative, playing an important role in ensuring the smooth running and organisation of buildings projects, to include the replacement of the School’s outdated heating system, the construction of a new extension to include upgraded pupils’ toilet and changing facilities, and conversion of existing accommodation.    

The successful candidate will join a School which is in excellent financial health and one in which value for money is a key consideration in its day-to-day operations and all planned developments. The Project Manager will collaborate with architects, engineers and other contractors, to determine and monitor the specifications of the projects, negotiate the detail of contracts with suppliers to achieve value for money, monitor Health and Safety requirements and ensure the necessary requirements, permits and licences are in place as appropriate.  

The successful candidate will also hold responsibility for Health and Safety across the School.

The postholder will be accountable for the successful delivery of buildings projects as identified, ensuring completion within agreed timeframes and budgets.  It is therefore necessary for the successful candidate to have a strong background in the management of contracts and contractors within the construction industry, the management of budgets, preparing reports for Senior Leaders and Health and Safety management.  The Project Manager must be well-versed in construction methodologies and procedures and able to coordinate a team of professionals of different disciplines to achieve the most effective results. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind and superb organizational skills.

It will also be necessary for the postholder to offer a large degree of flexibility, for example, although the role may be for three days per week, it will be necessary to work the hours required to ensure the projects remain on track, and to facilitate contractors’ availability and working arrangements.  Therefore, it will not be possible to offer only fixed, agreed days of working per week as this may vary from week to week.    

SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION:

DURATION

This is a fixed term position to manage the delivery of identified projects. Any continuation of the role following the fixed term would be dependent upon further project and related funding.  The Project Manager is required as soon as possible and the fixed term period will end on 31 March 2025.

SALARY 

£49,000 pro rata (actual salary £29,400)

LOCATION AND CONTRACT DETAILS

This is a part-time post, all year round to provide direct support to the Headmaster.  The responsibilities attached to the position will be performed on the School site, or at another location as may be necessary from time to time in order to deliver the support required.  Given the demands of the position, from time to time, the Project Manager may be required to offer support outside the normal working week, for example during weekends or evenings, and therefore it is important that some flexibility can also be offered in this regard in order to fulfil the responsibilities of the post. 

JOB CONTENT 

The Project Manager will ensure all allocated projects are delivered on time according to requirements and specification, and without exceeding agreed budgets.  This will be achieved through:

• Collaboration with architects, engineers, builders, surveyors and other contractors and suppliers to determine and monitor the scope and specifications of the allocated projects.

• Supporting with the negotiation of the scope of contracts with external contractors and suppliers, keeping the Headmaster fully informed and consulting with him regarding any proposed variations to the approved project specifications.  

• Monitoring the progress of projects against agreed milestones and maintaining high levels of communication with architects and contractors to ensure they are held to account against agreed timeframes, offering challenge where necessary should there be any sign that progress against a project milestone is falling behind, or work completed is not to standard.

• Liaising with contractors working on site regarding the School calendar and daily routines to highlight any calendar and diary commitments, for example Examinations, which may impose some restrictions on contractors’ working hours, or movement around the School site. 

• Ensuring safe working practices, including liaising with the key staff regarding the School timetable to ensure areas in which work is taking place are not accessible to pupils, and checking that contractors work according to agreed safe working practices, prioritising the safety of pupils and staff at all times. 

• Determining required resources as may be necessary beyond those within the control of contractors in order to ensure the smooth operation of the School whilst project work is taking place (for example, staffing, equipment and materials), liaising with the Headmaster and with due regard to budgetary limitations.

• Advising on and overseeing immediate actions in the event of any unforeseen situations or emergencies to ensure tight control of any variations to project schedules or specifications. 

• Supporting the Headmaster and Governing Board in the process of interviewing and evaluating potential contractors and suppliers. 

• Liaising with on-site project supervisors (employed by the contractor) on a regular basis, offering challenge as may be necessary regarding any concerns. 

• Evaluating project progress and preparing reports for the Headmaster, and completing project monitoring returns for any project funding providers such as the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

• Ensuring any ordering of materials or labour is carried out in accordance with the School’s financial procedures.  

• Managing Health and Safety arrangements across the School site, to ensure ongoing compliance with the School’s Health and Safety policy and other relevant policies, reporting on any potential issues as required. 

• Monitoring and updating policies and other documentation associated with the Project Manager’s areas of work. 

• Meeting with the Headmaster at least on a weekly basis to report on progress, monitor and discuss the School’s requirements day-to-day, and to consider any proposals for variations to the project. 

• Maintaining effective communication with the School’s Facilities Manager to achieve any required adjustments to working practices to accommodate projects, for example School cleaning and maintenance schedules and plans. 

• Corresponding with key project stakeholders via email and letter as necessary, and checking the detail of responses, contracts and other documents to ensure they project the School’s interests and reflect discussions and agreements. 

• Maintaining effective communication with the wider staff body to ensure the details of any potential disruption as a result of the project, or contractors’ movements around the site, are known and understood well in advance.  

• Taking minutes/notes of meetings concerning the project for the School’s records, and for reference in the event of any difficulties or for clarification.