Head of Project Services

Location: Head Office - Manchester, M27 6DB

The Role

This is a senior leadership appointment with direct accountability for Dataspire’s project delivery function. The Head of Project Services will own delivery quality, project profitability, resource utilisation, and programme execution across the business, with a clear mandate to transform project delivery into a predictable, commercially disciplined capability.

This is not a coordination or oversight role. The successful candidate will be expected to build the framework, lead the team, drive commercial performance, and take full ownership of outcomes.

A significant proportion of Dataspire’s delivery is embedded within new school build programmes and large-scale refurbishments, working alongside Tier 1 construction partners, subcontractors, and public sector clients.

The Head of Project Services will frequently be operating inside someone else’s programme, where delays carry real commercial and reputational consequences, and effective coordination across multiple contractors and client stakeholders is essential.

This is programme-level delivery at scale. The role requires someone who is experienced and at ease with that level of complexity.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a proven delivery leader with the commercial acumen, operational discipline, and interpersonal confidence to lead this function effectively. The following is essential:

• Demonstrable experience leading a project delivery or programme management function, ideally within a technology, infrastructure, or managed services environment
• A strong track record of improving delivery consistency, project profitability, and operational efficiency
• Experience operating within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including those involving construction programmes or large-scale infrastructure delivery
• Genuine commercial acumen, including a clear understanding of margin management, cost control, and resource utilisation
• Experience implementing and embedding structured delivery frameworks such as PRINCE2 or equivalent
• SMSTS or SSSTS qualification, reflecting the construction environments this role operates within
• The confidence and credibility to challenge across functions, including Sales, technical teams, and senior leadership, where delivery or commercial integrity is at risk

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Project Delivery Function
• Build a Scalable Delivery Methodology
• Drive Commercial Performance
• Resource and Capacity Planning
• Programme Delivery and Construction Alignment
• Risk and Issue Management
• Executive Reporting

About Dataspire Solutions

Dataspire is a Manchester-based education IT managed services company, delivering a broad portfolio of services spanning managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, and large-scale ICT projects for new school builds and major refurbishments.

We have completed more than 120 DfE-funded projects, reflecting our expertise and the depth of our experience in the education sector.

We are proud to be a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to perform at their best.

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