Assistant Director Major Projects

UK Dementia Research Institute; London; Hybrid; GBP 77,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Director (Major Projects) to lead their Estates team. This pivotal role involves overseeing the delivery of significant capital projects, including new builds and refurbishments. The successful candidate will manage high-profile projects, ensuring they meet strategic goals while collaborating with various stakeholders. The organization offers a dynamic environment where innovation in safety, sustainability, and inclusivity is prioritized. With excellent benefits and a commitment to diversity, this is a fantastic opportunity for experienced professionals looking to make a substantial impact.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Employee assistance programme

Discounted medical insurance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in the built environment lifecycle.
• Providing strategic and technical advice for major projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Estates team overseeing capital projects from inception to operation.
• Manage key projects like the £500m Project Oriel and the £300m Institute of Neurology.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Contract Management

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or Construction

Membership in Relevant Professional Body

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 and ranked second in the UK for research power. Our alumni number over 440,000 across 190 countries, and we lead in a wide range of academic disciplines.

The UCL Estate includes over 240 buildings, more than 6.5 million square feet of academic space, and around 4,500 student bedrooms. The estate's size, complexity, and variety are unmatched in the sector, encompassing research, teaching, offices, and student accommodation.

The Campus Experience and Infrastructure and Estates Development (CE&I and ED) teams manage all aspects of the UCL Estate, from strategic planning to operations, including property management, master planning, capital projects, and sustainable operational support. Our collective expertise ensures a resilient, functional, and vibrant estate.

About the role

We seek an Assistant Director (Major Projects) to lead our Estates team in a key leadership capacity.

The Capital Projects Programme team manages the delivery of all capital works across the UCL Estate, from inception to operational phases. This includes new builds, refurbishments, infrastructure, and public realm projects, all designed and constructed to industry-leading standards.

The AD (Major Projects) will oversee the successful completion of ongoing projects and advance pipeline projects within the portfolio.

Current major projects include:

• Project Oriel, a £500m partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital
• The £300m Institute of Neurology, Dementia Research Institute (ION-DRI)
• Bloomsbury Heat and Power Network
• Grays Inn Road masterplan
• UCL East Masterplan

You will collaborate with stakeholders and project partners to develop and deliver projects, supported by your team of consultants and project managers.

About you

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

You are a strong leader, skilled in managing high-performing teams and promoting a safety-first culture. Your expertise includes strategic planning, procurement, contract management, and delivering innovative solutions in safety, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Excellent communication and leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and strong technical knowledge are essential for success in this high-profile environment.

What we offer

In addition to the exciting opportunities, we offer benefits such as:

• 41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance program: 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 especially encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities; disabled people; LGBTQI+ individuals; and women for grades 9 and 10.

Learn more about our commitment here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/