Department for Education - PFI Finance Manager
Location: Remote working with regular travel to DFE sites
Salary: £70,854 - £82,869 plus up to £20,000 in an additional market supplement
The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking an exceptional finance leader to take on a nationally significant role at the heart of its Private Finance programme.
Over the next decade, a large number of school PFI contracts will reach expiry, creating a critical opportunity to safeguard public assets, ensure value for money and support the smooth transition of vital education infrastructure. As Head of PFI Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering this complex programme, working across a portfolio of high-profile projects.
This is a unique opportunity to apply deep PFI expertise in a strategic and impactful environment. You will lead on providing financial advice across PFI expiry projects, working closely with legal and technical specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will engage with local authorities, schools, investors and central government stakeholders, supporting negotiations, managing risks and ensuring robust financial outcomes.
You will also contribute to the strategic direction of the programme, advising senior leaders and Ministers, and helping to develop best practice, tools and guidance across the sector. This is a highly visible role requiring strong judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to translate complex financial models into clear, actionable insight.
We are looking for a candidate with extensive experience advising on PFI projects, preferably with expertise in the schools sector, with a strong understanding of the full contract lifecycle and proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across both public and private sectors.
In return, you will join a highly regarded specialist team at the forefront of PFI policy and delivery, working on issues of real public importance while benefiting from the flexibility, development opportunities and strong values of the Civil Service. The DFE offers a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your work will have real impact on the public, alongside flexible working and the opportunity to shape the future of the school estate.