Project Manager (Schools Improvement Programme)

Positive Employment; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organisation in Liverpool is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the 2026 annual programme for primary schools worth approximately £4m. The role involves developing methodologies, engaging with stakeholders, and managing consultants. The ideal candidate will have a relevant built environment qualification and experience in education projects. This is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Experienced in education projects and delivering within critical timescales.
• Must understand DfE funding and Building Bulletins.

Responsibilities

• Develop prioritisation methodology for the 2026 programme.
• Engage with key stakeholders and members.
• Manage term consultant to prepare design and tender packages.
• Lead reporting of the annual capital programme to senior officers.

Skills

Effective communication

Flexibility

Project Management

Understanding public sector processes

Education

Built environment qualification (architect/technician/building services engineer/building surveyor)

Construction industry Project Management qualification (e.g., RICS)

Job description

Overview

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Project Manager for our client a local government organisation in Liverpool. The successful candidate will develop the pipeline for the 2026 annual programme of improvement for primary schools. The current annual programme comprises approximately 20 projects with a total value of circa £4m and involves a range of schemes including design and refurbishment of internal spaces, services replacement, external repairs, extensions. This role is a 3 month initial contract with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop prioritisation methodology based on AMP data and building condition surveys for the 2026 programme.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and members.
• Produce Cabinet Report with recommendation for 2026 programme to fit available/anticipated budgets (for November 2025 meeting).
• Manage term consultant (Aecom) to prepare design and tender packages.
• Put in place the delivery programme for 2026.
• Co-ordination of quality service to schools on advice and support over asset management and their responsibilities for it, including general liaison with external and LCC professional and technical advisers.
• General management of progress and lead liaison with other colleagues (e.g. Planning) and stakeholders (e.g. Archdiocese and Diocese, school representatives) on Primary Capital Programme.
• Lead on reporting of the annual capital programme to senior officers and members as required by Corporate Financial and Standing Orders and ensuring up to date information is entered into the AMP system (Concerto) and Verto.
• Identification and, where possible, targeting of all possible funding sources to maximise capital investment in schools.
• Support Education team and review proposals for schools directly delivered schemes. Approve grant payments.
• Support the Head of Service in the overall management and delivery of the Liverpool Schools Programme as requested.
• Provide general advice on procurement and delivery issues to other colleagues in the team, the wider and other directorates, corporate officers and Elected Members, school and governor stakeholders and more widely as required.
• Uphold equal opportunities in employment, in advice and in service delivery.
• Comply with all requirements of health and safety legislation and policy, taking appropriate action where necessary.

Personal Requirements

• Built environment qualification (eg. architect/technician/building services engineer/building surveyor).
• Construction industry Project Management qualification. Eg RICS.
• Highly effective communicator, positivity and flexibility.
• Experienced in education projects and delivering within critical timescales.
• Understanding of public sector processes, DfE funding and Building Bulletins.

Working Hours

37hrs / 9:00 am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £475.00 per day

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.