Account Manager

Role: FM Account Manager

Location: North West England

Salary: Up to £70,000 + Car Allowance or EV salary sacrifice 

Contract: Permanent.  Monday to Friday.  

The Opportunity

300 North are recruiting an experienced Account Manager on behalf of a leading national Facilities Management provider to oversee a portfolio of PFI schools across the North West.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for operational and commercial performance, stakeholder relationships and the leadership of three direct reports.

This is a highly visible, client-facing position requiring a robust, resilient and confident individual who can manage challenging relationships, influence senior stakeholders and maintain strong operational control.

We are looking for someone who combines excellent interpersonal skills with commercial awareness, operational expertise and the confidence to make difficult decisions within a demanding PFI environment.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Operational Management

• Oversee the operational and commercial performance of a portfolio of PFI schools.
• Ensure FM services are delivered in accordance with contractual obligations, KPIs and service standards.
• Directly manage and develop three direct reports, ensuring accountability and effective performance.
• Maintain oversight of statutory compliance, planned and reactive maintenance and lifecycle obligations.
• Identify operational risks, resolve challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to achieve contractual and business objectives.

   

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Act as a key contact for school leadership teams, local authorities, SPV representatives and contractual partners.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across a complex PFI stakeholder environment.
• Confidently manage challenging conversations, contractual disputes and escalations.
• Challenge constructively, negotiate effectively and establish clear boundaries when necessary.
• Manage difficult personalities and competing priorities while maintaining professional relationships.
• Ensure stakeholders receive clear communication and proactive contract management.

   

Commercial & People Management

• Monitor contract budgets, financial performance, KPIs and potential deductions.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, manage commercial risks and protect profitability.
• Support contract variations, lifecycle planning and commercial negotiations.
• Lead, motivate and develop three direct reports and oversee wider operational team performance.
• Address underperformance confidently and establish clear expectations and accountability.
• Promote a positive, results-driven culture focused on service excellence.

   

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an established Account Manager, Senior Contract Manager or Operations Manager with a strong background in Facilities Management and demonstrable experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience managing complex FM contracts, ideally within PFI/PPP environments.
• Experience within education, public-sector estates or comparable multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of FM operations, contractual compliance, KPIs and commercial management.
• Previous experience managing direct reports and operational teams.
• Demonstrable ability to handle demanding clients, challenging personalities and difficult situations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commercially astute, decisive and confident challenging senior stakeholders.
• Ability to take ownership of contract performance while working collaboratively with senior management.

   

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an established PFI schools portfolio within a leading national FM organisation.

The position combines operational leadership, commercial responsibility and high-level stakeholder management, offering the opportunity to influence service delivery and develop strong contractual relationships.

We are looking for someone who can build relationships without being afraid to challenge, lead people confidently and maintain control in a demanding operational environment.