Project Manager (Schools PFI Expiry)

About the role

Positive Employment is recruiting a Project Manager for a local government client in Southampton. The role focuses on the expiry of the Schools PFI contract, ensuring all contractual, financial and operational obligations are met while protecting the organisation's interests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the Schools PFI contract expiry, adhering to contractual obligations and recognised best practice.
• Develop, maintain and secure approval for the expiry plan, safeguarding operational, financial and commercial outcomes.
• Manage the remaining term of the Schools PFI contract, overseeing performance, commercial and contractual aspects.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, government representatives, SPV partners, advisors and external organisations.
• Interpret contractual obligations and translate them into clear exit and demobilisation plans.
• Coordinate asset and service handover activities, ensuring statutory compliance and effective knowledge transfer.
• Facilitate inspections, technical surveys, workshops and programme review meetings.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks, oversee change control and maintain programme governance.
• Produce accurate project reports, monitor progress against milestones and support evidence‑based decision making.
• Identify resource requirements for expiry activities and coordinate procurement or recruitment as needed.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience managing public‑sector contracts or large‑scale projects.
• Strong understanding of contractual, commercial and performance management principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex contracts and develop actionable exit plans.
• Proven risk‑identification and mitigation capabilities.

Required skills

• Contract interpretation and management
• Project planning and execution
• Risk management
• Change control processes
• Programme governance

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement
• Competitive hourly rate of £30.91
• Six‑month fixed‑term contract with possible extension
• Opportunity to work on a high‑visibility public sector programme