Commercial Contract Manager (PFI) (2 Posts)

Salary details: £ - £

Derbyshire County Council is entering a critical phase in the expiry of its schools Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts. We are seeking an experienced Commercial Contract Manager to play a key role in ensuring a smooth, well‑governed and value‑for‑money transition as these complex arrangements come to an end. 

This is a high‑impact role, offering the opportunity to influence major commercial decisions, protect the Council’s financial and operational interests, and support the continuity of high‑quality learning environments for Derbyshire’s children. 

About the role 

You will provide specialist commercial, contractual and technical expertise to support the effective management and expiry of PFI contracts, working closely with colleagues across property, legal, finance and education services. 

The role focuses on: 

• Managing commercial negotiations as PFI contracts approach expiry 

• Supporting the development and delivery of exit and handback strategies 

• Ensuring school assets are returned in a safe, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose condition 

• Helping to put in place future FM, maintenance and asset management arrangements beyond PFI 

• Minimising cost, risk and disruption for the Council and its school partners 

You will deputise for the Commercial Contract Expiry Manager where required and will report progress to senior governance boards. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Act on behalf of the Council in commercial negotiations with Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), FM providers, schools and other stakeholders 

• Support and deliver handback and contract expiry activities, including compliance checking and audits 

• Review and challenge performance against contractual standards, including payment mechanisms and deductions 

• Analyse condition, lifecycle, compliance and PPM data to identify risks, mitigation actions and financial impacts 

• Contribute to the negotiation and mobilisation of future contracts post‑PFI 

• Liaise with senior leaders, schools, governors, contractors and national bodies such as the DfE and EFA 

• Provide expert advice on contract, asset management and estates‑related commercial matters 

About you 

You will bring strong commercial and contractual expertise, ideally gained within a complex estates, facilities or infrastructure environment. 

Essential requirements include: 

• Significant experience in contract management or a related commercial field 

• Strong working knowledge of PFI or similarly complex long‑term contracts, including KPIs and performance mechanisms 

• Sound understanding of contract law and property‑related legislation 

• Experience of commercial negotiation, risk management and cost control 

• Ability to analyse technical, compliance and condition data and translate it into clear commercial advice 

• Excellent communication, report‑writing and stakeholder management skills 

• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines 

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience 

Desirable experience includes: 

• Experience working within a public sector environment 

• Experience of schools, education estates or facilities management contracts 
• Knowledge of hard and soft FM contracts 

What we offer 

• A meaningful role at the heart of a major strategic programme 

• The opportunity to influence long‑term outcomes for schools and communities 

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme 

• A supportive and professional working environment committed to equality, wellbeing and climate responsibility 

If you are a commercially astute contract professional looking to apply your expertise to a complex and rewarding challenge, we would welcome your application. 

Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026

Provisional Interview Date Tuesday 23rd June 2026

PFI2026

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.