Job Description

We're looking for a senior construction leader to drive the delivery of Department for Education (DfE) programmes and school building projects across the UK. This is a high-profile opportunity to lead a specialist team delivering new builds, refurbishments, and complex expansions that directly impact the next generation.
Why this role?

• National significance: Lead projects that transform schools, academies, and learning environments within a priority government sector.
• Complex, meaningful delivery: Work on high-value, multi-site programmes that demand technical excellence, compliance, and innovation.
• Clear leadership path: Influence both client outcomes and business growth, with the autonomy to shape the strategy and expand the education sector team.

What you'll lead

• Full lifecycle project and programme leadership -- from feasibility, design management, and planning approvals through procurement, construction, and handover.
• Oversight of DfE frameworks, funding requirements, and governance -- ensuring all projects align with compliance standards and value-for-money objectives.
• Strategic cost and programme management, applying robust controls and reporting to deliver predictable outcomes.
• Stakeholder engagement across DfE, local authorities, schools, contractors, design teams, and wider communities.
• Procurement strategy and contract management (NEC, JCT, and framework agreements) with a focus on performance and accountability.
• Team leadership: coaching and developing a high-performing consultancy team, fostering collaboration and excellence.

What you'll bring

• Degree (or equivalent) in Project Management, QS, Construction, or related discipline.
• Proven track record in leading education projects, ideally with experience on DfE frameworks, academy trusts, or major public-sector programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of public-sector funding, procurement, and governance processes.
• Experience in complex stakeholder environments, balancing the needs of government bodies, schools, and communities.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused leadership style with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• A passion for delivering sustainable, inspiring learning environments that improve outcomes for children and communities.

The offer

• 80,000-110,000 + benefits (DOE)
• Career-defining opportunity to lead a nationally significant sector.
• A platform to grow both a team and a portfolio of high-impact education projects across the UK.

Confidential enquiries: Caroline Kingsley
M: 07768 381831
E:
C:
All conversations are handled in strict confidence.
More jobs from this recruiter
Liverpool
Merseyside
85,000-100,000 + benefits package
Drive innovation in building services and lead multidisciplinary delivery across landmark projects. We're seeking a senior leader to head up the Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health (MEP) discipline for a growing consultancy in Liverpool. This is an opportunity to shape a dynamic regional team, deliver cutting-edge projects across multiple sectors, and play a pivotal role in driving sustainable, efficient building services solutions.
Yorkshire (UK-wide projects)
West Yorkshire
80,000-110,000 + benefits (DOE)
Shape the future of learning environments. We're looking for a senior construction leader to drive the delivery of Department for Education (DfE) programmes and school building projects across the UK. This is a high-profile opportunity to lead a specialist team delivering new builds, refurbishments, and complex expansions that directly impact the next generation.
Yorkshire (UK-wide projects)
West Yorkshire
90,000-120,000 + benefits (DOE)
We're seeking a senior construction leader to head up data centre programmes for blue-chip clients. You'll set the strategy, lead delivery, and grow a high-performing team tackling hyperscale new builds, major expansions and live-environment upgrades-powering AI, cloud and high-density compute at scale.
Manchester
Greater Manchester
Salary: Competitive + benefits
Are you a detail-driven construction professional with a passion for quality assurance and technical excellence? I'm currently working with a highly respected consultancy seeking to expand their team with a Senior or Experienced-Level Construction Inspector/Engineer.

Skills Required