Senior Project Manager (Interim) – Schools Capital ProgrammeLocation: Merseyside (Hybrid – 2–3 days onsite)
Contract: 12 weeks (initial)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start date: 26 January 2026
Rates:
*PAYE: £51.36 per hour
*Umbrella/Ltd: £67.81 per hour (approx. £475 per day)
Ribble Recruitment is supporting a local authority in the North West to appoint an experienced Senior Project Manager (Interim) to lead the development and delivery of a Primary Schools Improvement Programme.
The RoleYou will take a lead role in shaping the 2026 annual schools capital programme, overseeing a portfolio of c.20 projects with a total value of around £4m. Projects will vary and include refurbishments, services replacement, external repairs and extensions.
You will manage a Senior Project Manager and oversee the term consultancy contract, ensuring the programme is prioritised, designed, procured and ready for delivery.
Key Responsibilities*Develop a prioritisation methodology for the 2026 programme using AMP data and building condition surveys
*Engage with key stakeholders, senior officers and elected members
*Prepare and present a Cabinet report with recommendations aligned to available budgets
*Manage external consultants to deliver design and tender packages
*Establish and manage the delivery programme for 2026
*Lead liaison with schools, dioceses, planning teams and other stakeholders
*Report on programme progress in line with corporate financial and standing orders
*Maintain accurate records within AMP (Concerto) and Verto systems
*Identify and maximise potential funding streams for schools capital investment
*Provide procurement, delivery and technical advice across the wider service
*Support the Head of Service with overall programme delivery as required
Essential Requirements*Degree or professional qualification in the built environment (e.g. architecture, building surveying, building services engineering)
*Construction or project management qualification (e.g. RICS or equivalent)
*Proven track record delivering capital projects, ideally within education settings
*Strong understanding of public sector processes, DfE funding and Building Bulletins
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
*Experience delivering projects within tight and non-negotiable timescales

Ribble Recruitment is assisting the hiring organisation with this vacancy and is managing candidate sourcing, screening and the initial stages of the recruitment process.
Lewis Ashcroft – Ribble Recruitment