Head of Capital Delivery (Buildings and Community Infrastructure) – AR

Overview

Interim Head of Capital Delivery leads planning, governance and delivery of building and community infrastructure projects for Barnet Council. You will oversee a diverse portfolio with schools, leisure centres, parks and council assets, ensuring delivery to time, budget and standards. You work with sponsors and senior stakeholders, chair programme boards, and manage high-value budgets and procurement. You shape strategy, risk management and governance across capital programmes in a public sector context. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on community infrastructure and council services.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery and oversight of multiple capital projects from planning to handover
• Define objectives, plans, governance, and resource needs with sponsors and senior stakeholders
• Monitor performance, budgets, risks and timelines; escalate and resolve issues
• Chair project and programme boards and document decisions
• Manage high-value budgets including forecasting, expenditure monitoring, variance, value-for-money
• Oversee procurement strategies, external consultants, contractors, and advisers
• Ensure governance, procurement, financial, legal, and health & safety compliance
• Provide strategic advice on progress, risks, affordability and delivery options to senior officers
• Lead and motivate Programme Managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Promote consistent project management standards and continuous improvement

Key requirements

• Significant senior-level experience leading complex capital programmes from inception to closure
• Experience delivering building and community infrastructure projects (schools, leisure facilities, public buildings, operational estates)
• Proven track record delivering high-value capital schemes in local government or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management, procurement and financial controls
• Experience developing business cases and advising on affordability, risks and benefits
• Experience commissioning and managing external consultants and contractors
• Strong commercial and financial management including budgeting and value-for-money assessments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with senior leaders and elected members
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams under pressure
• Solid understanding of technical, legal, procurement and health & safety requirements

• Stakeholder management
• Leadership and people management
• Strategic thinking
• Programme governance
• Project assurance
• Risk management

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