Business Support, Business Operations

Business Support – PFI Education Contract

Position Type: Hybird

Position Overview

The Commercial Assistant will support the commercial management of a 12-school PFI contract, reporting to the Contract Manager and working alongside the Commercial Manager to support ensure effective financial administration, contract compliance, and stakeholder management across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Administration

Ensure invoicing processes are maintained across all 12 schools, ensuring accuracy and timely submission to the client authority.

Contract Management Support

Assist with the administration of defects to ensure full compliance with the interface agreement.

Preparation and monitoring of the payment mechanism for the Contract.

Maintain the Change Control log and support the preparation of change requests and quotations for additional works.

Supplier and Subcontractor Coordination

Maintain the approved supplier database and ensure all necessary insurance and compliance documentation is current.

Stakeholder Liaison

Act as a point of contact for school-based queries relating to commercial matters and service delivery. Attend client meetings as required and prepare supporting documentation. Build effective working relationships with headteachers, business managers, and local authority representatives.

Compliance and Reporting

Support the Commercial Manager to ensure all commercial activities comply with PFI contract terms, company policies, and relevant legislation.

Administration

Maintain accurate records using contract management systems and internal databases. Support the Commercial Manager with the Preparation of correspondence, reports, and presentations as required. Support the wider commercial team with ad-hoc projects and administrative tasks.

Essential Requirements

Education & Qualifications

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)

Experience working in a commercial, finance, or contract administration role

Skills & Experience

• Strong numerical and financial administration skills with high attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data management and reporting
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a multi-site contract
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement
• Understanding of procurement processes and purchase order management

Personal Attributes

• Professional and customer-focused approach
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive problem-solver with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Adaptable and able to work in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment
• Desirable Requirements
• Previous experience in PFI, FM, or education sector contracts
• Knowledge of hard and soft FM services
• Familiarity with contract management or CAFM systems
• Working Arrangements

This role requires regular travel between the 12 school sites within the contract portfolio. A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. The position is primarily site-based with occasional office-based work as required.