Job detail

Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is a major national initiative that aims to transform the learning experiences for children, young people and the extended school community. It will contribute to the achievement of the Every Child Matters agenda, and the integration of children’s services and estate strategies of the Council and its partner organizations. This programme covers up to 13 high schools, 1 Pupil Referral Unit and 3 special schools. The BSF programme must take into account the plans of the FE sector in the borough. The indicative capital cost of the programme is £250m and an additional £30m to provide modern ICT infrastructure and a borough wide managed ICT service. The programme also provides for life cycle and facilities management contracts covering all schools in the borough. The main purpose of the Programme Director’s Role is to: Lead and direct the development of the BSF programme (indicative £250m capital spend over 5 years) with schools, the community and external providers/stakeholders in order to raise pupil and school attainment and rebuild/ refurbish the school estate; Take a leadership role on BSF across the Council to secure effective joint working and ensure the delivery of high quality, integrated services; Provide leadership for the programmes across Children’s Service, External partners, school heads and governing bodies to ensure the development of the project in accordance with statutory, national and local requirements; Lead on negotiations on strategic and funding solutions with government agencies, Partnership for Schools, DCSF, Learning and Skills Council; Ensure that the borough's projects achieve market credibility to attract high quality external bids in the context of the high level of national competition; Establish and Lead the BSF Project Team to ensure that it supports the programme effectively and that it is adequately resourced to deliver its objectives; Appoint, if necessary, and manage external consultants to ensure the delivery of good quality, Value for Money, Fit for Purpose in accordance with the programme timetable and the funding envelope; Be a role model for effective and positive leadership behaviour that is solution focused and future orientated; Coordinate the programme to ensure that all key project milestones are met on time and to the required standard; Ensure that resources are available from other relevant Council directorates and that key officers are briefed effectively on the project as required; Lead on negotiations with the private sector providers; Report to and support the Project Board and other meetings established as part of the project governance arrangements, ensuring that the meetings are effectively organised and that the Board receives the information required to provide effective oversight of the programme. Essential knowledge/skills: A track record of achievement in leading on major projects, with a clear ability to analyse performance and implement strategies; Good communicator, motivator of coordinator with leadership qualities; Demonstration of an understanding of the BSF agenda in England including the statutory and regulatory frameworks especially those that apply to local government; Evidence of sound financial management skills and the ability to ensure services are managed in accordance with “best value” principles and requirements; Experience and skills in building positive and productive relationships with colleagues, partners and customers; In depth experience and knowledge relevant to the post and the ability to explain current and future issues affecting the role and specific service areas; Essential experience: A track record of delivering local government service improvements in a senior role within a large organisation; Significant experience of contributing to the development and implementation of key strategies for specific projects and areas; Experience of managing change within a complex environment; Extensive senior management experience within a complex environment; 5 years experience of managing major school projects; Experience of public sector procurement and major contracts, financial controls and procedures; Experience of managing project programmes, action plans and procedures and defining projects and output to meet the needs of diverse communities; A proven track record of working with the private sector including negotiating to deliver against key objectives; Experience of managing people within a complex environment;  Successful experience of PFI/PPP procurement and project management.

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