Education Capital Project Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven Education Capital Project Manager to lead the delivery of a high-profile £11 million Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools development programme.

As a key member of the team, you will act as a client-side project manager, overseeing projects from procurement through to construction and completion. Reporting to the Education Property Development Manager, you will lead the delivery of two new SEN schools on existing mainstream school sites, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

• Lead delivery of major SEN school developments (RIBA Stages 4-7)
• Manage procurement of consultants, contractors, and delivery partners
• Oversee construction, budgets, timelines, and overall project performance
• Monitor risk, governance, and regulatory compliance
• Champion sustainable design and decarbonisation initiatives
• Collaborate with schools, Children's Services, PMO, and external partners
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and councillors
• Support wider regeneration and education estate programmes

• Degree (or equivalent) in a built environment discipline (e.g., architecture, engineering, surveying)
• Professional project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner)
• Strong understanding of project/programme management methodologies
• Experience delivering construction projects within a local authority or similar setting
• A strong track record managing medium-to-large scale developments
• Expertise in budgets, contracts, consultants, and contractors
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
• Strong organisational, analytical, and risk management capabilities
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to quality delivery

• Competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, bank holidays, and the option to buy additional leave
• Wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary for LGPS members
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years with insurance, servicing, and road tax included

Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.