Project Manager; Schools PFI Expiry

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Project Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Southampton.

The successful post holder will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the expiry of the Schools PFI contract, ensuring contractual obligations are met and the organisation's financial, commercial and operational interests are protected. The role will also support wider PFI expiry activities, including sharing best practice across programmes, while managing the ongoing Schools PFI contract to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial period of 6 months, with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working.

• Lead the planning and execution of the Schools PFI contract expiry, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and recognised best practice.
• Develop, maintain and deliver the Schools PFI expiry plan, securing stakeholder approval and protecting the organisation’s operational, financial and commercial interests.
• Manage the Schools PFI contract to ensure effective contractual, commercial and performance management throughout the remaining contract term.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, government representatives, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) partners, advisors and external organisations to support a successful contract exit.
• Review and interpret contractual obligations, translating contract requirements into clear exit and demobilisation plans.
• Coordinate asset and service handover activities, ensuring statutory compliance, accurate documentation and effective knowledge transfer.
• Facilitate inspections, technical surveys, workshops and programme review meetings.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks, oversee change control processes and maintain effective programme governance.
• Produce accurate project reports, monitor progress against milestones and support evidence-based decision making.
• Identify resource requirements for contract expiry activities and coordinate procurement or recruitment activities where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to negotiate contract variations, resolve disputes and achieve commercially sound outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records relating to contracts, project activity and contractual obligations.
• Support wider PFI expiry projects, including contributing knowledge and lessons learned to the Street lighting PFI expiry programme.
• Deliver services within agreed budgets while identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiencies and value for money.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies relating to health and safety, information governance and financial management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to organisational and team development activities.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or relevant professional experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to project or contract management.
• Project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent.
• At least five years' experience in contract management, procurement or a commercial service delivery role.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex projects.
• Knowledge of PFI contracts and their operation.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of facilities management operations, statutory compliance and asset management.
• Proven ability to analyse complex contracts and translate contractual requirements into practical project and expiry plans.
• Financial management experience, including budget management, forecasting and cost modelling.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while representing the organisation at senior stakeholder level.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital business systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, manage challenging relationships and negotiate positive outcomes.
• Experience identifying practical solutions to complex commercial and contractual issues.
• Experience delivering PFI contract expiry activities.
• Knowledge and/or experience of public sector contracting.
• Legal and commercial awareness.
• Experience delivering multiple projects or wider change programmes, ideally within PFI or complex facilities management environments.

Full Time, Monday to Friday.

£30.91 per hour (Negotiable).

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.