Job title: PFI Technical Officer
Salary: PO3 £42,839 - £46,142 per annum
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Civic Hall, Leeds (hybrid working)
As PFI Technical Officer, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team ensuring the effective operation and long-term performance of the Council’s PFI schools and independent living portfolio. Your work will directly support the delivery of safe, compliant and high-quality environments where communities can learn, live and thrive.
You will provide technical building and environmental expertise across a portfolio of PFI contracts, supporting robust contract management through monitoring contractor performance, undertaking site inspections, and ensuring compliance with lifecycle and output specifications. Working closely with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders, you will help drive continuous improvement, value for money, and effective service delivery.
A key aspect of the role will include supporting the Council’s PFI expiry programme, contributing to asset condition assessments, handback preparations, and the development of future service delivery models. Through your technical insight and collaborative approach, you will help ensure the Council is well positioned to deliver best practice in PFI contract management and transition.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
As a PFI Technical Officer, you will bring to the role:
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A relevant degree, professional qualification (e.g. MRICS, CIOB, IMechE, IFM), or equivalent demonstrable technical experience in facilities management, building inspection or a related field
- Strong knowledge of contract compliance, lifecycle management, and health and safety legislation, including CDM regulations
- Proven experience of undertaking site inspections, audits and asset condition assessments, with the ability to provide clear, evidence-based feedback
- Experience of working collaboratively with contractors and stakeholders in a multidisciplinary environment to deliver technical outcomes
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to interpret complex technical information and present it clearly to a range of audiences
As our next PFI Technical Officer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the Council’s PFI portfolio continues to deliver safe, high-quality environments for schools and communities across the city. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with strategic impact—supporting both the day-to-day performance of contracts and helping to shape how services are delivered in the future.
The role is integral to our PFI and Contract Management team within Procurement & Commercial Services, where you will work closely with technical specialists, contract managers and external partners. You’ll be at the forefront of monitoring performance, driving value for money, and supporting the transition of major PFI contracts through expiry and into new delivery models.
Through your work, you’ll directly contribute to maintaining vital public assets, improving service delivery, and helping the Council lead the way in best practice PFI management—making a tangible difference to residents, learners and communities across Leeds.
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
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a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Dave Dunning, PFI Contracts Manager. Call 07765560135 or email
[email protected]
ADisclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job description
To support the provision of technical advice and technical monitoring in relation to the PFI Schools and Independent Living PFI portfolio through operational stages of the projects up to expiry and through to future service delivery models, in order to meet a range of commercial, contractual, statutory and regulatory undertakings.
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Provide advice, information, and guidance to colleagues, clients and end users (and other stakeholders and external advisors as appropriate) within multidisciplinary teams to ensure the council’s business plan is achieved.
- Monitor contractors, operations, and standards of work against contract schedules and lifecycle models to ensure compliance with specifications and obligations.
- Deliver technical advice and contractual monitoring in relation to the PFI contract management programme.
- Deliver technical advice on aspects of the PFI contract management (particularly lifecycle programs) ensuring the delivery and improvement of services through new service delivery models, which meet the needs of our communities and stakeholders.
- Provide advice and guidance to the council, clients, internal colleagues, on relevant technical aspects in relation to operational aspect of PFI projects.
- Contribute to effective joint working within the council. Provide direction and support to colleagues, clients and immediate line reports, creating an organisational culture of shared accountabilities, learning and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to new ways of working and to partnership working and relationships with clients both internal and external, to improve corporate priority outcomes and to ensure that developments and improvements remain focused on delivering outcomes for local people.
- Promote and support positive solutions to achieve diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement activity and human resource areas.
- Support effective consultation and communications with colleagues, clients, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders in accordance with council policy.
- Support open, responsive and accountable government, ensuring good governance compliance.
- Manage all aspects of risk and be responsible for the safety of staff, clients and contractors in accordance with all statutory obligations and relevant health and safety policies.
- Support the PFI Expiry Senior Technical Officer in the development of strategy and documentation including contract documentation, asset surveys, handback reports and future service delivery models/specifications.
- Support the Senior Technical Officer in delivering technical aspects of the PFI expiry programme, monitoring contractor compliance with obligations as laid out in the output specification and related contract schedules relating to the standard of work, standard of delivery (as appropriate to the phase of the project), and handback.
- Work in conjunction with other specialist staff and consultants, co-ordinate inputs from other technical specialists/professional team members; assist in briefing and managing external consultants.
- In relation to the operational phase of the PFI project (and in relation to expiry and hand back as required):
- carry out site visits, asset condition assessment and audits at PFI sites on behalf of the council;
- Represent the council at site meetings;
- contribute to the provision of contract compliance for existing PPP/PFI schemes, including the application of payment and performance mechanisms;
- support the effective interface between end users, elected members, local residents and the contractor in respect of any complaints relating to the works or standard of the assets approaching or at expiry;
- assist in the management of variations relating to, any disputes relating to snagging, defects or construction, or claims for extension of time and or cost;
- obtain, check and verify records (e.g. build drawings, O&M manuals, Health and Safety files), ensuring sufficiency and completeness;
- contribute to the development of practical plans and processes in relation to lifecycle, surveying assets, implementation of any required remediation work and handback of the assets;
- support the PFI Expiry Senior Technical Officer in relation to expiry surveys, including liaising with the contractor, consultants, services users and all other stakeholders;
- advise as to under-delivery as to required standards, and any costs/timetable associated with any remediation work required to achieve the required standards;
- contribute to the contractual process of withholding monies in relation to remediation works
- contribute to the development of specifications and related contract schedules for new service delivery models.
- Identify, interpret and advise on relevant risk issues in the PFI projects.
- Work as a key member of a project team, leading and/or supporting technical elements of PFI projects and supporting the provision of an integrated project management/PFI handback technical support.
- Contribute to monitoring of operational PFI projects and (as required) PFI expiry programming.
- Provide direction on a matrix management basis to project management staff, legal and commercial colleagues on projects which are assigned to the post holder.
- Contribute to the development of quality accreditations where appropriate for services.
- Support the delivery of the achievement of value for money in all aspects of the PFI schools and independent living PFI portfolio (and in relation to the PFI expiry programme as required) by utilising risk management, cost planning and value management at appropriate times and at appropriate lifecycle stages.
- Be flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
- Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
- Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
- Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
One of the following is essential:
Degree or degree level qualification in a related discipline; or- Professional qualification in a related discipline (e.g. e. MRICS, CIOB, MICE, IMechE, IFM); or
- relevant demonstrable skills and experience (e.g. facilities management, environmental management, quality assurance, building and grounds inspection / audits).
Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.
Skills Required:
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Able to interpret and guide others concerning site specifications and other documentation.
- Able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner using a variety of presentational formats.
- Able to find and implement creative and innovative solutions to complex problems, with an ability to resolve conflict.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate to form positive relationships.
Knowledge Required:
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Of contract compliance and lifecycle methods.
- Of health and safety legislation including CDM regulations.
- Of facilities management strategy and operation.
Experience Required:
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Of effectively liaising with contractors and other external bodies and stakeholders.
- Of undertaking site inspections / audits, site appraisals, providing regular documented feedback on site performance and outputs.
- Of working effectively with others in a multi-discipline environment to support the delivery of cross sector or cross service projects.
- Of successful management of technical aspects of projects and programmes (including handover of completed assets) which reflect service needs, provide value for money, and maintain quality.
Essential behavioural and other characteristics
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Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures
- Carry out duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters
Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
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Ability to employ a range of management styles which focus on achieving high quality service and results in terms of outcomes for staff and customers.
- Knowledge of working within the framework of other appropriate legislation and statutory procedures (e.g. planning and building regulations).
- Experience of supporting the delivery of major public sector property and/or infrastructure projects.
