Senior Project Manager -Schools Improvement Programme

ZipRecruiter; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Project Manager for a 3-month contract in Liverpool. The role involves leading the £4 million Schools Improvement Programme, managing various projects, and ensuring compliance with financial and safety standards. Candidates should have a professional qualification in the built environment and strong project management experience. This hybrid role requires a minimum of 2-3 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering education/capital projects to tight deadlines.
• Excellent knowledge of DfE funding and public sector processes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the 2026 capital improvement programme.
• Manage the schools improvement programme pipeline.
• Oversee external consultants on design and tender packages.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Asset management advice

Education

Professional qualification in the built environment

Accredited Project Management qualification

Tools

Concerto

Vertosystems

Job description

Job Description

Our client is currently looking to recruit a Senior Project Manager working on the Schools Improvement Programme, initially on a 3 month contract.
Senior Project Manager – Schools Improvement Programme

£475 per day inside IR35
Liverpool (Hybrid – minimum 2–3 days per week in office)

Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Managerto lead the development of the 2026 capital improvement programme for primary schools across Liverpool. This short-term contract offers the opportunity to work on high-impact education infrastructure projects valued at approximately £4 million, shaping the future learning environment for local children.
You’ll manage a wide-ranging portfolio, including internal refurbishments, services upgrades, extensions, and external repairs, and lead the strategic planning and stakeholder engagement process for the upcoming programme.

Key Responsibilities

Develop a prioritisation methodologyusing condition surveys and AMP data.
Manage the 2026 schools improvement programme pipeline.

Produce a Cabinet Report with programme recommendations for November 2025.
Oversee external consultants on design and tender packages.
Set the delivery schedulefor 2026 projects.

Manage 1 FTE Senior Project Manager and liaise with internal departments (e.g. Planning).
Provide advice to schools on asset management responsibilities.

Monitor progress and ensure compliance with financial and reporting procedures.
Input and maintain data in Concerto and Vertosystems.
Identify and pursue available funding sourcesfor school improvements.

Support education teams on school-led projects and approve grant funding.
Ensure all work complies with health & safetylegislation and equality standards. Requirements

Professional qualification in the built environment(e.g.

Architect, Building Surveyor, Building Services Engineer).
Accredited Project Managementqualification (e.g. RICS, CIOB, APM).

Proven experience delivering education/capital projectsto tight deadlines.
Knowledge of DfE funding, public sector processes, and Building Bulletins.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established organisation with potential for contract extensions