Campus Design Standards Manager

UNIVERSITY OF READING; Reading; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Reading is seeking a Campus Design Standards Manager to lead the development of design standards for internal and external spaces. This role involves collaborating with various teams, managing signage and wayfinding systems, and ensuring compliance with university branding. Candidates should have proven stakeholder engagement skills, a degree or equivalent experience, and familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite. This is a full-time, permanent position with an opportunity to significantly impact the campus experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in stakeholder consultation and project delivery.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• A creative, adaptable approach and the ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain design standards for internal and external spaces.
• Collaborate with Estates teams and Creative & Print Services.
• Lead projects to update standards and monitor compliance.
• Manage signage and wayfinding database and budgets.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project leadership

Data analysis and reporting

Creativity

Organizational skills

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Closing Date: 16th January 2026 at 23:59 (GMT)

Role Type: Full time, permanent

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Campus Design Standards Manager to join our Space & Asset Management Team at Reading.

Why this role stands out

This is a unique role at the heart of the University's Estates function, helping shape how our campuses look, feel, and function. You'll lead the development of design standards for our internal and external spaces, focusing initially on the re-working of our signage and wayfinding strategy. The design standards you manage will ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with our brand and strategic goals. If you enjoy creating order from complexity, influencing stakeholders, and delivering projects that make a visible impact, this role offers the chance to transform the campus experience for students, staff, and visitors.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a proactive and detail-focused professional with experience in developing and managing design standards. You'll be confident working independently, leading projects, and collaborating across diverse teams. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to balance creativity with practicality. You'll also bring expertise in data analysis and reporting, and ideally, familiarity with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of RIBA processes.

About the University

The University of Reading is a vibrant, forward-thinking institution committed to excellence in teaching and research. Our estate combines historic architecture with modern facilities and green spaces, creating an inspiring environment for our community. The Estates Directorate plays a critical role in shaping this environment, ensuring it is cohesive, sustainable, and future-ready.

About the role

As Campus Design Standards Manager, you will:

• Develop and maintain design standards for internal and external spaces, together with all signage, and wayfinding.
• Collaborate with Estates teams and Creative & Print Services to ensure standards reflect University branding and user needs.
• Lead projects to update standards and monitor compliance across the estate.
• Manage our signage and wayfinding database and budgets, providing regular reporting and recommendations.
• Act as the main point of contact for all design standards queries.

About you

You will have:

• Proven experience in stakeholder consultation and project delivery.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• A creative, adaptable approach and the ability to influence at all levels.

Desirable

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, RIBA plan of work, and change management.
• Knowledge of Higher Education environments and commissioning design/print services.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Details

Contact Name: Michele Facer

Contact Job Title: Head of Space & Asset Management

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.