Service Manager – PFI, Contracts & Commissioning

Spencer Clarke Group

Job Title: Interim Service Manager – PFI, Contracts and Commissioning

Location: South Yorkshire, Hybrid

Contract: Interim/Ongoing

Pay: 493.65 per day Inside IR35

Spencer Clarke Group are looking to appoint a Service Manager for PFI, Contracts and Commissioning on behalf of a Local Authority client in South Yorkshire. You will lead on the strategic and operational management of the Council’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts for schools and provide guidance for other PFI contracts when required.

The post holder will also play a crucial role in planning and delivering the Schools Capital Programme, ensuring that school facilities remain fit for purpose, compliant, and capable of supporting excellent educational provision. Additionally, the role will manage the transition and demobilisation of PFI contracts with a focus on strategic planning and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the governance, monitoring, and management of the Council’s Schools PFI contracts and advise on other PFI contracts as needed.
• Develop and deliver the Schools Capital Programme, ensuring alignment with the Council’s sufficiency plans and educational priorities.
• Act as a key liaison with the Department for Education, schools, academies, and internal stakeholders to coordinate property and facility-related services.
• Oversee performance monitoring of contracts, addressing performance issues and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure formal contract governance processes are followed, building and maintaining effective working relationships with schools, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a Strategic Exit Plan for PFI contracts, addressing considerations such as TUPE, budgets, risk management, and continuity of services.

Qualifications/Experience Needed

• Degree-level qualification in Business Administration, Contract Management, Project Management, or equivalent experience.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IWFM, CIPS).
• H&S qualifications such as IOSH Managing Safely.
• Substantial senior management experience in PFI contract management, including strategic planning and policy development.
• Proven track record of managing lifecycle maintenance strategies and systems (e.g., SFG20, BIM, CMMS).
• Successful delivery of capital and revenue projects in schools or local authority settings.
• Demonstrable experience of demobilising contracts and implementing strategic exit plans.
• Strong understanding of school governance models and operational needs.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and contact Joe O’Halloran at Spencer Clarke Group on (phone number removed).