Client Representative / Project Manager (Europe)

ROLE SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Global Head of Projects, the Client Representative / Project Manager will lead the successful delivery of school construction and development projects from inception through to completion. The role combines strong project management expertise with high-level client representation responsibilities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest international quality standards. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, external consultants, contractors, and school leadership teams, ensuring seamless project execution and stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle. This role requires a commercially aware and solutions-oriented professional with significant experience managing construction projects across multiple regions and working within complex, fast-paced international environments. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project & Construction Management 

• Oversee the full project lifecycle from concept, planning and procurement through to execution, handover and post-completion review. 
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed timelines, budgets, quality standards and operational requirements. 
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, delays or operational challenges.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets and resource allocation.
• Coordinate and manage contractors, consultants, subcontractors and project teams across multiple regions.
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant legislation, building regulations, health & safety requirements and industry standards.
• Develop and maintain project risk registers and implement appropriate mitigation and contingency plans.
• Ensure all project documentation, including contracts, change orders, reports and schedules, is complete and up to date.

Client & Stakeholder Management 

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong, transparent and collaborative relationships with school leadership teams, architects, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Understand stakeholder needs and expectations and ensure these are appropriately managed and delivered.
• Provide regular project updates, reports and presentations to Head Office and other stakeholders.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration across all project participants.

Quality & Operational Excellence

• Implement and oversee quality assurance processes to ensure delivery standards meet or exceed expectations.
• Promote best practice in construction management, operational delivery and project governance.
• Ensure a strong focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness and continuous improvement across all projects.
• Support the development and enhancement of project management processes, systems and standards.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential 

• Proven experience in project management and client representation within the construction industry, ideally in the education sector.
• Experience managing projects outside Portugal (is a must).
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project lifecycle management and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects of varying scale and complexity across multiple regions.
• Experience managing project budgets, timelines and operational delivery successfully.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and international environments.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, motivate and coordinate diverse teams.
• Proficiency in project management software such as MS Project, ASTA or Primavera.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in project management within the construction industry.

Desirable

• Experience within international schools or educational infrastructure projects.
• Professional certification such as RICS, CIOB or equivalent project management accreditation.
• Experience working in multinational or matrix organisations.

Personal Attributes 

• Commercially astute with strong operational judgement.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative and relationship-driven approach.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work across diverse international environments.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.