School Project Specialist

Job description / Role

The School Project Specialist role in MENA involves spearheading the delivery of world-class school projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. The position requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with a focus on client relationship management, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory compliance within the education sector.

Client Details

The client is a leading premium international education group with a global presence, operating over 100 schools internationally. They emphasize excellence in private education, offering a progressive academic environment aimed at nurturing individuality, talent, and self-assurance in students.

Description

* Project Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept and planning through to execution and handover, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
* Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong and transparent communication throughout the project. Understand client needs, expectations, and concerns, and proactively address them to ensure satisfaction.
* Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with various stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and school administrators, to facilitate seamless project coordination. Foster positive relationships to enhance project outcomes.
* Budget and Resource Allocation: Work closely with the project management team to develop and monitor project budgets. Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring optimal utilization and cost-effectiveness.
* Quality Assurance: Implement and oversee quality assurance processes to guarantee that all project deliverables meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations.
* Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges during project execution. Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure project success.
* Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive project documentation and generate regular status reports. Schedules and other typical documents for internal and external stakeholders. Keep all parties informed about project progress, challenges, and milestones.
* Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all projects adhere to relevant regulations, codes, and standards governing school construction and development.
* Ensure compliance with all building regulations, including health and safety requirements.
* Develop and Manage project risk register and develop contingency plans to minimise any potential issues.
* Act as the primary point of contact for Head office, providing regular updates on project progress and addressing any concerns.
* Foster a collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and communication among project stakeholders.
* Ensure all project documentation is complete and up-to-date, including contracts, change orders, and project reports.

Job Offer

* Global Exposure: Join a leading premium international education group with a global presence across 6 continents, offering exposure to diverse cultures and educational practices.
* Career Advancement: Take advantage of a high-growth organization with over 11,000 employees and numerous rewarding career opportunities each year, providing a platform for professional growth and development.
* Impactful Work: Spearhead the delivery of world-class school projects, playing a pivotal role in creating progressive academic environments that inspire students to achieve their maximum potential.
* Leadership Opportunity: Lead a team of professionals and subcontractors, utilizing your strong leadership and project management skills to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
* Passionate Community: Join a dynamic and passionate team of educators and professionals dedicated to nurturing individuality, talent, and self-assurance in students, fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment.

Requirements

Required Experience and Skills

* Proven regional experience in client representation and project management, preferably in the education sector.
* Strong knowledge of the construction and development landscape.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
* Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.
* Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
* Bachelor's degree in construction or project management, engineering, or a related field. or an equivalent qualification such as NVQ Level 6 in project management. OR
* Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management in the construction industry.
* Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
* Thorough knowledge of construction best practices, build sequence, and regulations.
* Experience working with project management software like MS Project, ASTA or Primavera.
* Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.
* RICS/CIOB or other project management certification is a plus.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.