Assistant Director Major Projects

The Bartlett School of Planning UCL; London; Hybrid; GBP 77,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Assistant Director for Major Projects to lead transformative capital initiatives within a vibrant estate. This role involves overseeing significant projects, including high-value partnerships and infrastructure developments, ensuring they meet industry-leading standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in engineering or construction, with a proven track record in managing complex urban projects. Join a team that values innovation, safety, and inclusivity, and contribute to shaping a resilient and functional estate that supports world-class research and education.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site nursery

On-site gym

Enhanced parental leave

Employee assistance programme

Discounted medical insurance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing major urban projects.
• Formal qualification in engineering or construction required.

Responsibilities

• Lead key capital projects from delivery to development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and guide project teams.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Contract Management

Project Management

Safety Culture Management

Sustainability Practices

Inclusivity Strategies

Education

Degree in Engineering or Construction

PAS8673 Certification

Job description

Ref Number B28-00041

Professional Expertise: Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety Department

Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28)

Location: London

Working Pattern: Full time

Salary: £77,000+

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Type: Hybrid

Available for Secondment: No

Closing Date: 21-May-2025

About Us

University College London (UCL) is ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings and was UK University of the Year 2024 (The Times and Sunday Times). We are the second largest university in the UK, ranked second for research power, with over 440,000 alumni in 190 countries, leading in various academic disciplines.

The UCL Estate includes over 240 buildings, more than 6.5 million sq ft of academic space, and around 4,500 student bedrooms. The estate's scale, location, and complexity are unmatched, supporting world-leading research, teaching, offices, and accommodations.

Campus Experience and Infrastructure and Estates Development (CE&I and ED) manage all estate aspects, from strategic planning to operations, including property management, master-planning, capital projects, and sustainable development. We aim to deliver a resilient, functional, and vibrant estate through a team of technical professionals.

About The Role

We seek an Assistant Director (Major Projects) to join our Estates team in a leadership capacity. The Capital Projects Programme oversees delivery of all capital works, including new builds, refurbishments, infrastructure, and public realm projects, designed to industry-leading standards.

The AD (Major Projects) will lead several key projects in delivery and develop pipeline projects. Current major projects include:

• Project Oriel: £500m Moorfields Eye Hospital JV with our Institute of Ophthalmology
• Institute of Neurology, Dementia Research Institute (ION-DRI): £300m landmark facility at 256 Grays Inn Road
• Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network
• Grays Inn Road masterplan, future phases
• UCL East Masterplan, future phases

You will collaborate with stakeholders and project partners, guiding your team of consultants and project managers to deliver projects across the estate.

About You

You are a seasoned professional with a formal qualification in engineering or construction, supported by degree-level education or PAS8673 certification, and membership in a relevant professional body. You have extensive experience across the built environment lifecycle, providing strategic and technical advice at senior levels, with a proven record in managing major urban projects.

As a skilled leader, you excel in managing high-performing teams and fostering a proactive safety culture. Your expertise includes strategic planning, procurement, contract management, and delivering innovative outcomes in safety, sustainability, and inclusivity.

With excellent communication and leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and strong technical knowledge, you are effective in delivering results in high-profile, challenging environments.

What We Offer

• 41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we value diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality, fairness, and inclusivity, fostering a community where everyone belongs.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ individuals; and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.

Learn more about our commitment at UCL EDI.