Job title: Contracts Project Manager (Housing PFI)
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House, Leeds City Centre (with some hybrid working / working from other locations as well)
As a Contracts Project Manager (Housing PFI) you’ll thrive on delivering robust contract management of the Council's housing private finance initiative (PFI) contracts, including management of the PFI team to ensure effective management of these contracts.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with commercial knowledge and skillset to join a proactive, highly skilled and self-motivated team to deliver excellent performance on the ground for our residents and communities. You will have a drive and desire to ‘make things right’ when issues arise, via contractual mechanisms, recognised processes and your own management skills. If you have a passion for delivering excellence, driving efficiencies and shaping the future of the Housing PFI estates across Leeds, we would love to hear from you.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Contracts Project Manager (Housing PFI), you will bring to the role:
* Extensive knowledge and experience of commercial, contract management and performance management to support the management of the PFI contracts.
* Strong customer care focus and ability to communicate effectively with customers, staff, contractors and elected members face to face, over the phone and in writing.
* Experience of managing and developing staff to achieve objectives and outcomes.
* Experience of leading, coaching and motivating teams and individuals.
* The ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and whilst adapting to changing circumstances and priorities.
About the role
As our next Contract Project Manager (PFI) you will be pivotal in ensuring the two housing PFI contracts consistently meet and exceed the performance standards. This is a rewarding role, that contributes significantly to the delivery of quality services for our tenants.
The role is integral to our Contracts and Performance team, as you will lead and motivate the team to ensure the effective management of the two housing PFI contracts and develop the team, promoting a culture of excellence.
This role and team play a critical part in ensuring that we meet our statutory compliance for the Housing PFI contracts, Social Housing Regulations and that we conduct ourselves in line with the other regulations & best practice.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Rachael Schmidt, Contracts & Performance Manager on 0113 3786956 or Rachael.schmidt@leeds.gov.uk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
Job Description
Job purpose
To lead a team that is responsible for managing two private finance initiative (PFI) contracts across Housing Leeds, ensuring the contractual obligations are fully met. Provide commercial and financial governance, to ensure we are delivering value for money to the Council.
Responsibilities
* To lead and direct the delivery of contract management of services, ensuring effective relationship management with partners, value for money and achievement of quality standards.
* To manage, co-ordinate and direct the team to provide effective management of the contracts and provide high quality services to the tenants and service users.
* To ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements, the requirements of the PFI contracts and in line with the Council’s policies and procedures.
* To establish effective networks with peer groups across regional boundaries to ensure that developments in relevant functional areas are shared and best practice and learning is disseminated.
* To support complex negotiations of contract variation, amendment, extension or dispute with contractors and operational managers making recommendations where appropriate.
* To ensure the delivery of works and services required under the contract to agreed performance criteria, seeking opportunities to improve performance in order to achieve service outcomes.
* To develop and maintain strong, productive and collaborative working relationships with Chief Officers and their Divisional management teams, senior officers in other Directorates, Members, key partners and stakeholders in the city.
* Ability to manage own workload with competing priorities and ensure work is undertaken in a cost-effective manner.
* To carry out all duties in accordance with the Council’s set procedures, Equal Opportunities Policy and Health and Safety procedures.
Leadership Responsibilities:
* Provide and promote clear direction, visible leadership and motivational management to create a high-performance culture which drives continuous improvement, organisational change and efficiencies whilst delivering service priorities.
* To effectively manage the performance of staff and quality of work produced and respond appropriately to instances of under and over performance through a coaching style of management, providing both high challenge and high support.
* To ensure effective, positive and open relationships with staff and trade union representatives in the working environment.
* Lead, manage, motivate and develop team members in accordance with council policies and employment laws, and ensure that relevant procedures are understood and followed.
* To demonstrate strong and effective leadership and management in line with the Council’s values and standards.
* To support and lead the team with PFI expiry activities.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
Qualifications and Knowledge
* Educated to Degree level or with equivalent work experience.
* Knowledge of the principles of effective contract management/performance management
* Knowledge of Financial and/or procurement regulations with a public sector
* Experience of developing and implementing performance management solutions to support organisational outcomes.
Specific Skills and Competencies
* Strong customer care focus and ability to communicate effectively with customers, staff, contractors and elected members face to face, over the phone and in writing.
* Ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and whilst adapting to changing circumstances.
* Ability to provide visible effective leadership, direction and coordination regarding resources, workloads, processes and projects.
Experience
* Experience of leading, coaching and motivating teams and individuals.
* Knowledge and understanding of social housing.
* Relevant experience of working at a senior level within a related commercial field.
* Experience of leading or managing major contracts within a social housing or relevant public sector field.
* Experience of working effectively with internal and external partners to deliver cross service projects and achieve positive outcomes.
* Experience of successfully presenting complex information to a range of audiences.
* Experience of managing and developing staff to achieve objectives and outcomes.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
* Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
* The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
Qualifications and Knowledge
* Professional membership of a building related FM professional institution such as IWFM or equivalent or other equivalent institution.
Experience
* Experience of working within Unionised environments.
* Experience of working within a political environment.
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