Senior Project Manager

STAR ACADEMIES; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-performing multi-academy trust in the UK is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the implementation of key initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and enhancing social mobility. The role involves managing strategic projects, including partnerships and new school developments, while collaborating with various stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess strong project management and communication skills, along with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Healthcare cash plans

Generous holiday entitlements

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering complex projects successfully.
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel anywhere within England for new projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic projects including the Eton Star Partnership.
• Develop comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre-opening.
• Support additional projects related to new schools and academy conversions.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Job description

Senior Project Manager

Star Academies is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of a range of strategic projects, including the development of the Eton Star Partnership and its sixth form colleges, the opening of new free schools, academy conversions, and wider business change initiatives across the Trust.

The Eton Star Partnership combines the global reputation and heritage of Eton College with Star Academies’ national track record for excellence and inclusion. Its mission is to elevate the life chances of young people from disadvantaged communities through exceptional education, strengthened social mobility, and the development of civic agency. As part of this mission, the partnership is opening new sixth‑form free schools in Dudley and Oldham, offering a highly academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities, and tailored preparation for progression to top universities and degree apprenticeships.

In this role, you will provide high‑quality strategic and operational project management support for the establishment of the Eton Star sixth forms. Alongside the Eton Star projects, you will lead and support additional projects relating to new schools, academy conversions and organisational change initiatives across the Trust.

Working closely with colleagues from Eton College, Star Academies, local authorities and the Department for Education, you will develop and manage comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre‑opening and mobilisation.

If you are an experienced project manager looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping high‑profile education projects that will raise standards, extend opportunity, and contribute to social mobility for young people across our communities.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects successfully. You will be able to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail and will be confident in establishing teams, managing workstreams, solving problems, and driving progress in fast‑moving environments.

You will bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build positive and productive relationships with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners. Your ability to analyse information, spot risks early, and provide clear, evidence‑based reporting will be key to ensuring the success of each project.

This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential.

About Star Central

Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools.

The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

About Star Academies

Star Academiesis a high‑performing multi‑academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values‑based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - ourSTAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub,Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range ofrewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59.
• Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026
• Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible

For more information and to apply online, please go to: Star Academies | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career - Job Information | Apply for Senior Project Manager

Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).