Senior Project Manager - USThe Senior Project Manager – Capital Projects supports schools across North America in delivering high-quality capital projects including new campuses, expansions, and major renovations.
The role manages projects from initial feasibility through design, procurement, construction, and operational handover. The position ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with Nord Anglia Education standards. The Senior Project Manager will lead the procurement of architects, engineers, and contractors, manage the tender process, and oversee construction delivery. A key part of the role is to ensure school facilities are operationally fit-for-purpose by integrating academic programming, operational requirements, and FF&E planning throughout the project lifecycle. Strong stakeholder engagement with school leadership, contractors, consultants, and regional teams is essential.Reports To: Head of DevelopmentJob ResponsibilitiesBusiness Growth & ReputationLead day-to-day management of capital projects from initial feasibility through construction completion.Develop project briefs, feasibility studies, budgets, and delivery strategies.Procure architects, engineers, consultants, and general contractors through structured tender processes.Ensure operational needs (safeguarding, security, health & safety) are integrated into builds.Evaluate bids and recommend award decisions based on cost, capability, and quality.Measured by: Timely project delivery, adherence to budget and quality standards, and positive stakeholder feedback.Project Delivery & Construction ManagementManage the design development process ensuring alignment with educational and operational requirements.Oversee construction delivery including schedule monitoring, cost management, and quality assurance.Review and interrogate contractor bids, construction budgets, and change orders.Lead value engineering on any redesigns to improve deliverables.Ensure compliance with local permitting requirements and regulatory standards.Establishes rigorous project governance and reporting structures across projects.Measured by: On-time project completion, effective contractor management, and successful project handover, and compliance with NAE guidelines.FF&E Planning And Operational ReadinessCoordinate with school leadership and operations teams to define FF&E requirements.Coordinate with safeguarding, security, health & safety teams to ensure specific requirements are captured in consolidated construction and FF&E designsIntegrate school-specific FF&E vendors with the construction program to ensure coordinated delivery.Ensure completed facilities are fully operational and aligned with academic programming.Supporting the Principal as appropriate with early activities such as marketing and events.Measured by: Successful operational readiness and effective integration of FF&E into project delivery.Process Development & Continuous ImprovementConduct post-project reviews assessing cost, quality, and schedule performance.Develop standardized project delivery frameworks and guidelines for schools.Implement consistent processes across the region to improve efficiency and project outcomes.Measured by: Quality of budget reviews, cost analysis, financial tracking.post-project assessments and implementation of best practicesCollaboration & External PartnershipsCollaborate closely with school leadership, operations teams, and regional departments including legal, finance, and health & safety.Build strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and vendors.Working closely with internal Group Nord Anglia Education and marketing team and the Regional Finance & HR Teams.Working closely with Regional IT Director to set up school IT infrastructureProvide advisory support to schools undertaking renovation or expansion projects.Measured by: Effective stakeholder collaboration and successful project outcomes.OtherPromote and model Nord Anglia Education's values and leadership capabilities.Support schools with facility-related issues and operational challenges.Commitment to safeguarding and child protection.Measured by: Active contribution to regional success and alignment with Nord Anglia values.Job RequirementsQualifications / TrainingBachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline (required).Professional architectural registration or equivalent experience preferred.Experience / Knowledge / SkillsMinimum 10 years of project management experience in large-scale institutional or commercial construction.Demonstrated experience managing projects from concept through completion.Strong experience procuring architects, consultants, and contractors through structured tender processes.Experience managing capital budgets, IT platforms and construction delivery.Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.Strong analytical and report-writing capabilities.Willingness to travel across North America (30–50%).Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities.Proactive, solutions-oriented approach.High integrity and strong professional judgment.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Team player with astute executive maturity.Affinity with the education sector.