PFI Contract Manager
Job specification
Your next role
We are looking for an experienced contract manager to support the successful operational contract management of the North Swindon Schools PFI Contract through to contract handover in 2032, and to work with all stakeholders to ensure that contracting parties effectively discharge their responsibilities under the Private Finance Initiative Contract Arrangements.
The North Swindon PFI contract is a 7 Schools PFI contract (2 Secondary Schools, 3 Primary Schools and 2 Special Schools) working towards contract handover in 2032. The PFI provider is responsible for the provision of cleaning, catering, grounds and premises management as well as for the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities. The existing post holder is reducing hours in early 2026 with a view to retirement within 12 months, and this role is to initially work with the current post holder with a view to ultimately taking over responsibility for managing the project on her retirement. Whilst you will be expected to work on school sites a significant amount of time, you will be able to work flexibly, in accordance with Swindon’s hybrid first working approach, subject to the needs of the service and training requirements.
The role will involve:
- leading and co-ordinating with schools, council services and the PFI provider to ensure the services are delivered in line with the contract.
- ensuring performance is monitored and is compliant with the contract.
- acting as first point of contact for Schools around any performance issues.
- monitoring the helpdesk system to ensure service issues are registered and deductions are calculated in line with the contract.
- Playing a key role in the handback process over the next 7 years.
The successful candidate will require the following knowledge and skills -
- Experience of managing large and complex contracts (PFI Contract Management preferable but not essential).
- Experience of working with commercial partners and knowledge of performance indicators and KPI’s.
- Experience of interpreting complex contract documents to inform decisions.
- Good relationship skills and evidence of stakeholder management.
As a minimum you must have 5 GCSE’s including Maths & English at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent, and ideally a degree or equivalent.
You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).
Your next package
Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.
As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.
For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.
Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.
Please see our new Swindon Plan
Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.
Your next steps
Read the role profile and select the Apply button where you will be redirected to the Swindon Borough Council website to complete our online application process. Clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this job website is not an application, you must register on the Swindon Borough Council website in order to be considered for the role.
For further information about the role please contact Paul Smith, Head of Corporate Finance on psmith2@swindon.gov.uk
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early so early applications are encouraged.
If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application please email resourcing@swindon.gov.uk