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