Project Manager

What this is

Appointment of a Project Manager to lead the Development Phase (August 2026 – November 2027) of the St Peter's Church restoration and heritage revitalisation project in Thetford, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The role involves project coordination, programme oversight, governance, risk management, and delivery of required outputs for this £2.5 million capital project.

Key points

• Deadline: 23 August 2026, 12:00 noon for electronic submission to sonyawright@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
• Budget: £60,000 excluding VAT for Development Phase (August 2026 – November 2027) only; Delivery Phase continuation subject to separate approval and funding
• Essential requirement: Proven experience delivering National Lottery Heritage Fund or comparable heritage capital projects, with financial monitoring on projects exceeding £1 million
• Evaluation: Most Advantageous Tender approach (not lowest price); Heritage Fund experience (20%) and understanding of brief (20%) are highest-weighted criteria
• Contract structure: Initial 18-month Development Phase with formal break clause; continuation into Delivery Phase (2028–2029) entirely at Council discretion, subject to Heritage Fund approval and satisfactory performance; no payment guaranteed during six-month interim period
• Submission: Single PDF maximum 20 pages (excluding appendices/CVs); must include company profile, methodology, team details, case studies, governance approach, social value/sustainability approach, fee proposal with day rates, and two references

Who can bid

Open procedure; SME suitable. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in successful delivery and coordination of complex heritage, conservation, regeneration, or publicly funded capital projects. Essential experience includes National Lottery Heritage Fund or comparable heritage capital projects, significant project management in heritage/public sector, multi-disciplinary team coordination, programme/risk management, listed building experience, public sector procurement compliance, financial monitoring on projects exceeding £1 million, and strong governance/reporting capability.

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How it is scored

Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) approach. Evaluation criteria and weightings: Understanding of Brief and Methodology (20%), Relevant Heritage and Heritage Fund Experience (20%), Project Management/Governance/Risk Management Approach (15%), Project Management Experience (10%), Communication/Collaboration/Stakeholder Management (10%), Social Value and Community Benefit (10%), Sustainability and Environmental Considerations (5%), Fee Proposal and Value for Money (10%). Contract not necessarily awarded to lowest price.

Money

Available budget for Project Management Consultancy: approximately £60,000 excluding VAT for Development Phase only. Total project cost: £2.5 million. Tenderers must provide: fixed fee proposal for Development Phase with cost breakdown by stage/work package, confirmation of all anticipated expenses, day rates for all proposed personnel, VAT details, and proposed fee structure for Delivery Phase (either percentage-based linked to capital value or fixed fee). Fees must demonstrate value for money.

Performance guarantee

Evidence of relevant professional indemnity and public liability insurance required. Two references for comparable commissions required. Continuation beyond Development Phase subject to satisfactory performance, successful Heritage Fund approval, affordability, and formal Council approval.

How to submit

Electronic submission to Sonya Wright, Town Clerk, Thetford Town Council, sonyawright@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Deadline: 23 August 2026, 12:00 noon. Single PDF submission maximum 20 pages excluding appendices and CVs. Shortlisted tenderers may be invited to present to Council representatives and project stakeholders.

Clarifications

Clarification questions must be submitted in writing to Sonya Wright (sonyawright@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk). All responses may be circulated to all tenderers to ensure fairness and transparency.

Contract period

Initial appointment for Development Phase: August 2026 – November 2027 (18 months). Potential continuation into Delivery Phase (Spring 2028 – Winter 2029) subject to successful National Lottery Heritage Fund Delivery Phase approval, satisfactory performance, funding availability, and formal Thetford Town Council approval. Formal break clause applies between phases; no guarantee of payment or continuation during the approximately six-month interim period between Delivery Phase application submission and Permission to Start.

Classification

CPV 71000000 — Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services East of EnglandThetford, England