Principal Payment Officer

We are seeking a highly motivated payment and commercial officer.

This is an exciting and challenging role working as part of the Highways PFI Contract Management Team. As the Principal Payments and Commercial Officer, you will be directly responsible for management of processes that ensure that the monthly payment of invoices is undertaken in accordance with the agreed contract arrangements and financial regulations. A good understanding and or experience of budget management are needed to fulfil this role particularly in light of the current financial situation that the council finds itself in.

You will have a proven track record of leading a team in a contract or commercial setting, working with stakeholders and service providers to deliver high performing services in a complex environment. The role can at times be very demanding with competing priorities for senior stakeholders, so the ability to work in a structured way under pressure would be advantageous.

Reporting to the PFI Procurement Manager (Commercial) you will work collaboratively with teams within the PFI Contract Management Team to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the current Interim Service Contract (ISC) and will contribute as we move into a different contracting structure.

The Highways and Infrastructure service provides and manages a range of services that are focused on:

• maintaining and managing the city's highway infrastructure to a safe and serviceable condition, to meet the council's statutory duties; and


• managing activity on the highway network such as parking, bus lane enforcement and traffic regulation.


This includes services to invest in, operate and maintain assets including roads, pavements, street lighting, structures, bridges, tunnels, traffic signals and trees on the public highway. These are currently delivered through the council's PFI contract, which is scheduled to run until June 2035. The standard working week is 36.5 with a mixture of office and homebased working.

You must upload a Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. This is required for shortlisting; you need to describe how your experience and skills fit the essential criteria for the role as specified in the Person Specification. If you do not attach your Supporting Statement, your application will not be considered.

Working for Birmingham City Council is more than just a job; it's about making life better for the 1 million plus people who live and work in the city., The Council is a fantastic place to work. You will find an organisation that is both challenging and supportive; with a leadership impatiently adventurous in its pursuit of excellence.

There is a clear vision which is ensuring that the Council is working for communities today and building for tomorrow, we focus our resources on five key priorities:

• A Prosperous Birmingham: through a focus on inclusive economic growth, tackling unemployment, attracting inward investment, and maximising the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.


• An Inclusive Birmingham: through a focus on tackling poverty and inequality, empowering citizens, promoting diversity and civic pride, and supporting and enabling all children and young people to thrive.


• A Safe Birmingham: through a focus on making the city safer, safeguarding vulnerable citizens, increasing affordable housing, and tackling homelessness.


• A Healthy Birmingham: through a focus on tackling health inequalities, encouraging physical activity and healthy living, supporting mental health, and improving outcomes for adults with disabilities and older people.


• A Green Birmingham: through a focus on street cleanliness, improving air quality, continuing the route to net zero, and becoming a city of nature.


We see the Council's role as providing strategic leadership - that's being able to visualise a new future for the city and equipping others to share our vision. We want to ensure the provision of services for all, so we can support those least able to support themselves by working with partners and putting citizens and neighbourhoods at the heart of our decision-making.

We are always looking for people who put the customer at the centre of their approach, with a commitment to excellence to help us achieve our vision. We will support you to develop and thrive in your role, building a pathway for long-term success, with lots of development opportunities, such as apprenticeships.

We are incredibly lucky to have diverse team, and we are an inclusive bunch who encourage and promote positive suggestion and so we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

We offer many benefits, some of which are listed below:


• Pension scheme with a generous employer contribution


• Flexible working, where applicable


• Staff discount scheme with a number of local businesses.


• Family-friendly policies


• A supportive and empowering organisational culture


• Generous holiday entitlement


• Subsidised travel passes


• Occupational Health support including a confidential counselling service.


• An accredited Investor in People.


• Employee health and wellbeing support


So why not click apply and see what we have to offer.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Interviews for this post will take place in person. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further information.

Please note you may be required to undertake a test or presentation as part of the interview process., In return, we offer you excellent terms and conditions, generous annual leave, a great pension scheme, well-being support, annual travel passes and discounts at a number of city centre establishments.