Project Manager - Education

Location: Homebased - Nationwide Travel is Essential to This Role

Salary: Up to £42,000 Per Annum Dependent Upon Experience

At Polaris , we are proud to be one of the UK's largest 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 works together to ensure the best outcomes for every child in our care. We are ambitious for our children, families, and staff, and we believe in their futures.

We are on the hunt for an experienced Project Manager to join our Organic Growth team. In this pivotal role, you will help us develop new schools that provide outstanding education to our young people across our community.

If you are a motivated and skilled Project Manager with a passion for making a difference, this could be the perfect next step in your career. You will ensure that our new schools open on time, within budget, and meet all regulatory requirements.

• 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 suitable contractor base to minimize project downtime.
• Assess and procure all required works while adhering to Health and Safety regulations.
• Collaborate with education specialists to ensure regulatory compliance (Ofsted, LA, etc.).
• Work alongside our Estates Team to develop site maintenance schedules.
• Build relationships with LA commissioning teams to understand demand for schools.
• Coordinate with central functions to ensure resources are in place and marketing is informed.
• 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 and creatively under pressure.
• Highly organized with strong 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.

• 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Life Insurance x 2.
• Employee Discount Scheme.

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively 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 be subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing prior to appointment.

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