Contract Expiry Manager (PFI)

Derbyshire County Council is entering a critical phase in the lifecycle of our schools Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts. We are looking to appoint an experienced Contract Expiry Manager to lead the complex and high‑profile process of managing PFI contract expiry and handback, ensuring best value and minimising risk to the Council and our school partners. 

About the role 

This is a senior specialist role acting as the Council’s lead expert on PFI contract expiry. You will manage the full end‑to‑end expiry process for schools PFI contracts, ensuring assets are returned in a safe, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose condition, and that future arrangements beyond PFI are robust, cost‑effective and sustainable. 

You will provide strategic and technical leadership, act as the Council’s intelligent client in negotiations, and play a key role in shaping the future management of school estates following PFI expiry. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Leading the planning and delivery of PFI contract expiry and handback activities across schools 

• Producing and delivering detailed strategic exit and handback plans, ensuring milestones and governance requirements are met 

• Acting on behalf of the Council to ensure assets are returned in an appropriate condition, minimising financial and operational risk 

• Providing expert commercial, contractual and technical advice on PFI, FM and estate‑related matters 

• Leading negotiations with private sector partners to mitigate cost and risk to the authority 

• Overseeing compliance, performance auditing and lifecycle reviews in advance of handback 

• Managing and supporting PFI Contract Managers and working closely with the PFI Business as Usual team 

• Representing the Council at boards, governance meetings and with key external stakeholders including schools and government bodies 

About you 

You will bring significant experience of operating in a PFI or complex contract management environment, ideally within the public sector. You will be comfortable working with large, detailed contracts and confident leading negotiations, managing risk and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. 

You will also have: 

• Strong experience managing large, complex hard and soft FM contracts 

• Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills 

• The ability to analyse technical and contractual information and translate it into practical solutions 

• Strong communication skills, with experience preparing reports for senior audiences 

• The confidence to lead complex meetings and manage sensitive contractual issues 

• A proactive, solution‑focused and pragmatic approach 

Essential qualifications: 

• RICS or an equivalent professional qualification in property or contract management 

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline 

Project management qualifications and experience within education or school estates are desirable but not essential. 

Why join Derbyshire County Council? 

You’ll be joining a professional, forward‑thinking organisation at a pivotal moment, working on work that has a direct impact on schools, communities and public value across Derbyshire. We offer flexible working, a supportive culture, and the opportunity to play a leading role in one of the Council’s most significant estates programmes. 

Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026

Provisional Interview Date: Monday 22nd June 2026

PFI2026