Project Director – Education (DfE Frameworks)
Salary/Rate:£80,000–£110,000 + benefits (DOE)
Job type:Permanent
Town/City:Yorkshire (UK-wide projects)
County:West Yorkshire
Sector:Built Environment & Surveying, Project Management
Job ref:CK3445721
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Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Shape the future of learning environments.
We’re looking for a senior construction leader to drive the delivery of Department for Education (DfE) programmes and school building projects across the UK. This is a high-profile opportunity to lead a specialist team delivering new builds, refurbishments, and complex expansions that directly impact the next generation.
Why this role?
- National significance: Lead projects that transform schools, academies, and learning environments within a priority government sector.
- Complex, meaningful delivery: Work on high-value, multi-site programmes that demand technical excellence, compliance, and innovation.
- Clear leadership path: Influence both client outcomes and business growth, with the autonomy to shape the strategy and expand the education sector team.
What you’ll lead
- Full lifecycle project and programme leadership — from feasibility, design management, and planning approvals through procurement, construction, and handover.
- Oversight of DfE frameworks, funding requirements, and governance — ensuring all projects align with compliance standards and value-for-money objectives.
- Strategic cost and programme management, applying robust controls and reporting to deliver predictable outcomes.
- Stakeholder engagement across DfE, local authorities, schools, contractors, design teams, and wider communities.
- Procurement strategy and contract management (NEC, JCT, and framework agreements) with a focus on performance and accountability.
- Team leadership: coaching and developing a high-performing consultancy team, fostering collaboration and excellence.
What you’ll bring
- Degree (or equivalent) in Project Management, QS, Construction, or related discipline.
- Proven track record in leading education projects, ideally with experience on DfE frameworks, academy trusts, or major public-sector programmes.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of public-sector funding, procurement, and governance processes.
- Experience in complex stakeholder environments, balancing the needs of government bodies, schools, and communities.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused leadership style with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A passion for delivering sustainable, inspiring learning environments that improve outcomes for children and communities.
The offer
- £80,000–£110,000 + benefits (DOE)
- Career-defining opportunity to lead a nationally significant sector.
- A platform to grow both a team and a portfolio of high-impact education projects across the UK.
Confidential enquiries: Caroline Kingsley
M: 07768 381831
E: caroline@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk
C: Arrange a call: Book a 15-min call
All conversations are handled in strict confidence.
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