Interim Capital Projects Consultant (Schools)

The Abbey; Eastbourne; Remote; GBP 92,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The Abbey is seeking an experienced Interim Capital Projects and Programme Lead to oversee a significant capital investment programme across our trust. You will drive project scoping, planning and delivery, acting as the bridge between strategic objectives, financial oversight and operational execution, with heavy emphasis on governance and stakeholder engagement.

Working 3 days per week for an initial 6-month period, this role is predominantly remote with occasional site visits to coordinate

Qualifications

• Experience leading capital programmes in the public sector.
• Proven ability to scope and deliver complex capital projects on time and within budget.
• Strong stakeholder management across planners, consultants and senior leadership.
• Comfortable working autonomously in an interim/contract role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the capital programme across the trust, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial oversight.
• Oversee scoping, planning, surveys, site assessments and delivery milestones.
• Coordinate with external advisers, planners, surveyors and local authorities.
• Provide regular progress updates to senior leadership and trustees.
• Navigate planning and property matters within a public sector environment.

Skills

Capital project leadership

Public sector experience

Stakeholder management

Autonomous / self-driven

Interim/contract experience

Job description

A growing multi-academy trust is seeking an experienced Interim Capital Projects and Programme Lead to oversee a significant capital investment programme. Working closely with the executive team, the successful candidate will lead projects from initial scoping and planning through to delivery, acting as the key link between strategic objectives, financial oversight and operational execution., Lead and manage the trust-wide capital programme, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Oversee the development of major capital schemes, including planning strategy, site access considerations, surveys and community-use requirements.

Support capital planning relating to specialist and post-16 provision, including future capacity requirements.

Manage project scoping and delivery activities, including site assessments, surveys, boundary reviews, access arrangements, refurbishment programmes, expansion opportunities and additional accommodation projects.

Contribute to strategic capital planning aligned to organisational growth and specialist educational provision.

Coordinate and manage relationships with planners, surveyors, project managers, highways professionals, local authority representatives, funding partners and other external advisers.

Work collaboratively with estates leadership to develop estate strategy and prioritise projects.

Provide regular progress updates and reports to senior leadership and trustees.

A strong background leading capital programmes or major projects within the public sector.

Experience gained in sectors such as education, healthcare, local government, emergency services, social care, custodial services or other comparable public sector environments.

A proven track record of successfully scoping and delivering capital projects, managing contractors and consultants, and navigating planning and property-related matters.

Experience of specialist education, SEND provision or post-16 developments would be advantageous but is not essential.

The ability to work autonomously, quickly establish priorities and provide immediate value within an interim assignment.

This opportunity would suit an experienced capital projects professional who enjoys operating strategically while remaining closely involved in project delivery and stakeholder management.

Commitment: 3 days per week

Duration: 6 months initially

Working Pattern: Predominantly remote, with occasional site visits and meetings with external capital partners

Rate: Day Rate outside IR35