Interim Head of Capital Projects

Summary: The Interim Head of Operational and Commercial Capital Projects will lead a capital delivery function for a local authority in North West England, overseeing a diverse range of projects including schools and leisure centres. The role requires a seasoned leader to enhance governance and ensure timely delivery while maintaining quality and stakeholder confidence. This position is hybrid, requiring 2 to 3 days per week on-site. The successful candidate will manage multi-disciplinary teams and drive financial performance across projects valued between £0.5m and £40m+.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading internal programme and project management teams and managing multi-disciplinary consultants
• Acting as the Intelligent Client on major projects
• Owning programme governance, delivery strategy, reporting, and risk management
• Managing budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting, driving value for money
• Leading business case development with sponsors and users
• Procuring and managing consultancy appointments and service contracts
• Ensuring sustainability objectives are embedded across the programme

Key Skills:

• Proven leadership across large, complex capital programmes (public sector essential)
• Strong stakeholder management at senior level, including politically sensitive environments
• Strong working knowledge of procurement, contract management (JCT / NEC), and delivery assurance
• Confident owning programme financials, reporting, and governance
• Built environment qualification preferred (RIBA / RICS / CIOB / similar) plus project management qualification

Salary (Rate): £800 per day

City: Merseyside

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Other