The former Skanska director brought in to take over the PFI arm of Jarvis in the summer is expected to leave before the end of the year.

Robert Wallace joined as head of Jarvis Accommodation Services in July but the division has since been put up for sale. It is expected that four PFI contracts will be bought by French group Vinci.

Sources close to the firm say that group commercial director Gordon Ray is running down the division’s construction interests, diminishing Wallace’s responsibilities. The source said: “I think there will be major departures at JAS this side of Christmas, if not before the end of this month.”

A Jarvis spokesperson said he would not comment on speculation on Wallace. He said: “No such announcement has been made.

We are not prepared to comment on speculation. Robert has a full portfolio right now.”

This development follows the departure of roads maintenance boss John Worthington last week.

It is also understood that the group’s chief executive, Alan Lovell, is attempting to restrict the amount of money the group pays in fees to banks and consultants. Building understands that this figure has risen to at least £20m since May this year. An industry source said: “Lovell is moving to get that under control. It’s bleeding the business of cash.”

A company source said that the £20m fee level was a “bit high”.

A Jarvis spokesperson said: “We are not commenting on internal matters.”

Jarvis is also understood to have finalised a deal to sell its European roads interests to Austrian group Swarco for £25-30m.