About

• JOB DESCRIPTION
• Responsible to: Head of Service, Minor Capital Delivery, Operations and Estates
• Reporting to: Locality Managers – Minor Capital Delivery, O&E
• Job Purpose
• The overall purpose of the role is to manage and develop projects as part of the portfolio of services outlined below. As a member of the Minor Capital Delivery Service (MiCD), the Senior Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on meeting the needs of children and young people through provision of equal access to excellent services.
• The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for assisting with developing all aspects of Minor capital delivery across the EA, including Minor works in schools settings in both the controlled and non-controlled sectors as well as other earmarked and special initiatives. They will be accountable to the MiCD Head of Service and Locality/Service Managers for the effective management and delivery of all Minor capital works, with significant input across all education sectors.
• This will require on-going liaison with the Department of Education (DE) to ensure planning and delivery of Minor capital projects is in line with policy and complies with DE capital standards. It also requires close liaison and negotiation with other sectorial bodies when delivering Minor capital works in non-controlled settings.
• The Senior Project Manager will advise and support the Head of Service and Locality/Service Managers in the development of the strategic direction for these services and will work closely with other Managers, Heads of Service, Assistant Directors and the SMT within the EA to ensure that Minor capital development supports the area planning process and is in line with service requirements.
• The Senior Project Manager will work with colleagues across EA Directorates to ensure that proposals and project governance (as set by the Service), are delivered to enhance the operations of the Authority; and ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people. They will also play a key role in realising the transformation objectives within the service and across other Directorates.
• The Senior Project Manager will assist and support as required the annual business planning process within the Infrastructure and Capital Development Division and thereby contribute to the achievement of the EA’s overall corporate objectives. The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support and guidance to the EA Board, its Committees and other relevant organisations as appropriate.
• The Senior Project Manager will be a qualified construction professional in the role of a Senior Project Manager responsible to the Head of Service and the Locality Managers (South West, North, East and Service Managers (Youth/Other Capital, Capital Commercial Managers).
• Main Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder will be expected

To carry out the full range of professional services of a Project Manager to include

• Review and design architectural designs
• Plan, develop & implement building design
• Compile feasibility reports, determine environmental impact, create project proposals
• Ensure all designs are compliant with regulations and guidance documents
• To make managerial, architectural and technical decisions throughout the design, production and construction phases on the Education Authority’s in-house and external projects
• To develop and interpret a range of design research, program, plan, and design applying knowledge of architectural design construction, detailing, specification, construction procedures, planning & building control, building materials, specifications & systems
• Research and maintain knowledge of various disciplines, application methods, and materials,
• To provide advice and architectural assistance when required on matters concerning building maintenance and technical standards.
• Monitor the work of other Project Managers/Architects and making recommendations or scheduling workshops as required
• To manage and supervise the in-house technical staff working on projects allocated to the Senior Project Manager
• Network and consult with various industry professionals.

To carry out the full range of professional duties of a Principal Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM Regulations) to include

• To make managerial and technical decisions for staff implementing the CDM Regulations on notifiable projects;
• To advise and monitor the architectural staff on issues relating to the CDM Regulations.
• To train, supervise and monitor all architectural and maintenance staff in the implementation of the CDM Regulations;
• To act as the Education Authority’s Principal Designer when required to do so.
• Project Management

The Senior Project Manager will lead, manage, co-ordinate and participate in the procurement, design and implementation of the following services

• The overall responsibility for the successful procurement, initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling, administration, and closure of projects or workstreams allocated to them.
• To be responsible for managing and delivering a work portfolio that may contain several strands within a programme, project or workstream.
• To work closely with team members to ensure that all project requirements, deadlines, and schedules are on track, including submitting or reviewing project deliverables, preparing status reports, establishing effective project communication plans, the proper execution of plans, monitoring requirements and standards, and ensuring projects meet time, cost and quality constraints.
• To make sure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule, in line with agreed parameter’s/budgets, set by the Head of Service/Locality Manager.
• To manage the risk profile of the project and provide early warning on all assurance matters.
• To escalate issues appropriately, in accordance with project governance.
• To act as a Client Advisor / Project Manager / Project Sponsor on projects.
• To act as the service representative when engaging with other Directorates and Services, Department of Education (DE), Boards of Governors and external suppliers, providing project management advice and enabling the provision of projects required for transformation.
• Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

The post-holder will be responsible for supervising, managing, and leading teams engaged in the development of projects and management of contracts. This will include

• The in-house technical team on projects allocated to the Project Managers.
• Service staff aligned to projects or workstreams.
• Internal Clerk of Works allocated to projects.
• To supervise and manage external Design Teams, Contractors, architects and consultants on individual projects to ensure the projects are completed to the required standards, on time and within budget;
• To supervise and manage the EA’s professional and technical staff with the implementation of the CDM Regulations on individual projects.
• Decision Making

The Post-holder will be expected to

• To make managerial, architectural and technical decisions throughout the design, production and construction phases of the EA’s in-house and external projects.
• To make managerial and technical decisions for staff implementing the CDM Regulations on notifiable projects.
• Supervision Received
• The Post-holder will work under the direction of the Assistant Director Infrastructure Capital Development, Head of MiCD and/or Minor Capital Locality Managers.
• Work Complexity

The post-holder will be expected to completely deliver the services of

• A qualified construction professional in the application of specific projects and other relevant matters in which ICD is involved.
• A Senior Architect/Senior Project Manager/Principal Designer

The post-holder will be expected to promote the corporate vision, values and culture of the EA, including

• Manage and Lead Others.
• Improve, Challenge and Coach colleagues and teams, helping them fine-tune their skills, improving their industry knowledge and improving service delivery.
• Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours.
• Contribute to transformational change, structures, strategies, policies and processes.
• Collaborate Working

The post-holder will work collaboratively and be expected to

• Enhance the development of the service by building effective relationships.
• Manage effective communication plans and consultation with stakeholders.
• Contribute to meetings, in accordance with corporate goals and service requirements.

Develop links and relationships with

• Colleagues across the Authority’s Directorates,
• Senior Responsible Officers,
• Department of Education (DE),
• Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC),
• the Council for the Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS),
• the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE),
• the Governing Bodies Association (GBANI),
• Boards of Governors,
• Statutory Bodies,
• External Consultants, Contractors, and suppliers.
• Liaise with the public.
• Creative Work

The Post-holder will be expected to

• Provide professional and technical design and development in the delivering of the MiCD works programme.
• Challenge conventional approaches, harness new approaches and maximise efficiencies.
• OTHER DUTIES

The post-holder will be expected to

• Provide professional support and advice to Stakeholders.
• Provide non-managerial support, information and training, as required.
• Provide advice and assistance on building maintenance and technical standards, when required.
• Undertake training, as may be required, for personal and professional development.
• Contribute and assist in service development, planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Contribute and assist in the development of policies, plans and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory legislation.
• Ensure risks are assessed, monitored, managed, and controlled effectively.
• Participate and/or undertake review processes to enable compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures, maintaining and enhancing the high standards of the Authority.
• Prepare, maintain, manage, review and deliver effective reports and financial controls.
• Monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity, and value for money.
• Completely deliver an advisory service to all professional and technical staff on matters relevant to the CDM regulations
• Lead, manage and participate in design teams in the design, production, supervision and contract administration stages of projects allocated to the Senior Project Manager
• Co-ordinate and manage design teams, advise and monitor on the EA’s requirements and standards to ensure the completed projects are to the required standard, on time and within the allocated budget.
• Represent the service and/or deputise for the Locality/Service Manager as required.
• Undertake such other duties relevant to the post as directed by the Locality/Service Manager.
• In accordance with the business needs of the Infrastructure and Capital Development Division, may be required to assist in the delivery of Major Capital Delivery Programme.
• Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to their duties and responsibilities.
• This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
• In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
• To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

• PERSON SPECIFICATION
• NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
• 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

• Section 1 - Essential Criteria
• The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
• Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment
• Qualifications/
• Experience
• Hold/Have 1a) AND either 1b) OR 1c)
• 1a) Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher in a construction related discipline.
• AND
• 1b) Be a Chartered Member of one of the following ;
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS or FRICS) ; the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) ; the Royal Institute of Architect of Ireland (RIAI); the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Institute of Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists; the British Institute of Architectural Technologists with a minimum of two years relevant post Chartered experience providing a full range of relevant architectural/ project management services.
• OR
• 1c) Have a minimum of five years relevant post degree (1a) qualification experience providing a full range of relevant architectural/ project management services.

Demonstrable experience of the successful leadership, management and delivery of a high volume of complex Minor Capital Projects/ SEN Placement Programme with evidence of knowledge and experience of

• Financial Management Reporting and Control Measures
• Analysis and interpretation of information; and
• Governance.
• Demonstrable experience of regularly and directly supporting and advising Senior Management in complex operational situations across Directorates.
• Demonstrable experience of sound and effective management of people to achieve challenging targets and objectives through the engagement of teams.

• Shortlisting by Application Form

• Knowledge

• Demonstrable experience/knowledge of using the NEC Suite of Contracts, in the delivery of multiple education or other commercial projects.
• Demonstrable experience/knowledge of using AutoCAD.
• Demonstrable experience/knowledge of DENI Building Handbooks.

• Shortlisting by Application Form

• Other

The successful candidate will be required

• to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
• OR
• be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

• Shortlisting by Application Form

• Section 2 - Essential Criteria
• The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
• Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment
• Knowledge

• Sound Knowledge of EA SEN Placement Programme.
• Sound Knowledge of the functions of the Education Authority’s business and finance processes/knowledge of EA policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the requirements of a Senior Project Manager.
• Knowledge of statutory obligations and guidance including the DENI Handbooks.

• Interview

• Skills/
• Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of

• Good organisational skills and ability to organise a busy workload to deliver effective results on time demonstrating flexibility to meet changing demand.
• Ability to take a responsive and customer focused approach to work.
• Excellent ICT skills in particular CAD.
• Ability to work to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong collaborative skills to build genuine and productive relationships with internal & external stakeholders.
• Excellent proven analytical & creative thinking and an informed evidence-based approach to decision-making.

• Interview

• Values Orientation
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.

• Interview

• Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
• Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
• Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment
• Experience
• Demonstrable experience of working closely with EA SEN Placement working group to achieve successful delivery of construction capital projects.
• Chartered Member with five Year post qualification experience.

• Shortlisting by Application Form

• Our Values

• Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
• DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
• In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
• Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
• APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
• To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
• To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here
• The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.