Project Manager - Education

Location: Homebased - Nationwide Travel Required
Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum (Dependent on Experience)
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme

Welcome to Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's service providers! For over 30 years, we have been passionately transforming the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, Leaving Care services, Residential, Education, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, young people, families, and staff, and we are ambitious for their futures.

Are you an experienced Project Manager ready to make a real impact? We are seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our Organic Growth team. In this pivotal role, you will drive our plans to develop new schools, ensuring that we provide outstanding education to our young people across our community.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment and are passionate about delivering projects that genuinely make a difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career!

• Proactively identify potential new sites for school development.
• Manage the establishment of new schools from purchase through to opening.
• Support the production and monitoring of planning applications.
• Ensure all construction and refurbishments comply with the Building Safety Act.
• Manage projects to agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Build and establish a reliable contractor base to minimize project downtime.
• Assess and procure all required works, adhering to Health and Safety regulations and Independent Schools Standards.
• Collaborate with education specialists to ensure regulatory compliance (Ofsted, LA, etc.) for timely school openings.
• Work alongside our Estates Team to develop site maintenance schedules.
• Partner with our Commercial team to build relationships with LA commissioning teams and understand school demand.
• Coordinate with central functions to ensure resources are in place and Marketing is informed of timelines.
• Develop and maintain project plans and reporting documentation for successful project delivery.

• Post-Project Management qualification experience (all levels considered).
• Up-to-date knowledge of RICS requirements and relevant legislation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and under pressure.
• Highly organized with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Confident in working independently and collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Experience in managing and delivering projects within budget.
• Possess a full valid driving license.

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing prior to appointment.

Ready to make a difference? Join us in shaping the future of education!