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 dedicated to improving 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 committed to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we are ambitious for their futures.

Are you an experienced Project Manager ready to make a real impact? Join our Organic Growth team and help us develop new schools that provide outstanding education for our young people. We need a motivated and skilled individual who can bring these new schools to life, ensuring they open on time, within budget, and meet all regulatory requirements.

If you're passionate about delivering projects that truly make a difference and thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment, 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 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 maintain a suitable contractor base to minimize project downtime.
• Assess and procure all required works, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations.
• Collaborate with education specialists to ensure regulatory compliance (Ofsted, LA, etc.).
• Work with our Estates Team to develop site maintenance schedules.
• Develop relationships with LA commissioning teams to understand school demand and agree on key commercial terms.
• 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 (all levels of post-qualification experience 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.

At Polaris, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all 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.