Derbyshire County Council is seeking an experienced Estate Compliance Manager to lead the technical and contractual management of the Council’s schools Private Finance Initiative (PFI) estate at a critical stage in its lifecycle.
This senior role plays a key part in ensuring that school buildings are safe, compliant and fit for purpose, while protecting the Council’s commercial, operational and financial interests throughout both the business‑as‑usual and contract expiry phases of PFI.
About the role
You will act as the Council’s lead technical and estate compliance expert for PFI contracts, overseeing asset performance, facilities management delivery and financial compliance across the PFI school portfolio.
You will be the main point of contact for PFI asset‑related matters, working closely with schools, contractors, senior leaders and national bodies to ensure contractual obligations are met and risks are effectively managed.
The role also contributes to the PFI expiry process, supporting robust handback and exit arrangements so that assets are returned in a safe, compliant and sustainable condition without unnecessary additional investment.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the estate compliance and technical management of PFI contracts, ensuring buildings and services meet contractual and statutory requirements
- Manage and audit complex hard and soft FM contracts, including performance mechanisms and KPIs
- Oversee unitary charge processes, lifecycle costs, utilities reconciliation, insurance reviews and financial submissions
- Apply and challenge performance deductions where service standards are not met
- Lead compliance checks including PPM audits, condition surveys, lifecycle reviews and energy management
- Act as the Council’s technical authority on PFI implications for future education and estate strategy
- Support PFI contract expiry and handback planning through expert asset and compliance input
- Line manage and provide professional leadership to PFI Project Officers
- Build strong relationships with schools, governors, SPVs, contractors and internal stakeholders
About you
You will be a confident and authoritative estates or facilities professional with experience operating in complex, high‑risk contractual environments.
Essential experience and skills include:
- Experience managing large, complex FM contracts (hard and soft), ideally within a public‑sector or PFI environment
- Strong working knowledge of PFI contracts, payment mechanisms, KPIs and performance frameworks
- Sound understanding of estates, asset management, building systems and compliance obligations
- Commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing invoices, lifecycle costs and disputes
- Proven ability to scrutinise and interpret complex contractual and technical information
- Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and report‑writing skills
- Experience leading teams and managing workloads and performance
- Ability to operate effectively in politically sensitive environments
Qualifications:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline
- Professional qualification in property, estates or contract management (essential)
- Project management qualification (desirable)
What we offer
- A senior, influential role within a critical countywide programme
- The opportunity to shape the long‑term condition and sustainability of school estates
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- A values‑driven organisation committed to equality, wellbeing and tackling climate change
If you are an experienced estates or contract professional looking to apply your expertise to a complex, high‑impact role, we would welcome your application.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Provisional Interview Date: Monday 22nd June 2026
PFI2026
