Estates Senior Project Manager

Nigel Wright Group; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds Beckett University is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead major capital projects across its Estates & Facilities function. You will shape the next phase of its transformation, manage complex programmes, and ensure delivery aligns with strategic priorities across campuses.

Reporting to the Head of Planning & Development, you will drive governance, procurement, risk and performance, while mentoring the Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager to embed best practice.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large, complex capital projects.
• Understanding of RIBA stages and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong governance, procurement and contract administration knowledge.
• Ability to lead and develop others and influence stakeholders.
• Proven track record in complex estates or infrastructure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of strategically significant, complex capital projects and programmes through all RIBA stages.
• Develop and deliver the University’s capital programme and governance.
• Manage governance, reporting, risk, cost, quality and programme performance.
• Lead procurement activity and advise on delivery strategies.
• Manage consultants, contractors and advisers across projects.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the University and external partners.
• Provide reporting and recommendations to senior leaders and governance groups.
• Drive sustainability and environmental considerations across development activity.
• Support continuous improvement of project management standards, governance and procedures.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to project teams.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Project governance

Procurement understanding

Contract administration

Strategic thinking

Delivery discipline

Education

Construction-related degree

Professional body membership (RICS/APM/RIBA)

Job description

Leeds Beckett University is investing in the future of its Estates & Facilities function and is seeking an exceptional Senior Project Manager to help shape the next phase of its transformation.

Following a significant review of the directorate and the appointment of new leadership, this is an opportunity to play a leading role in delivering strategically significant capital projects that will help shape the future of the University estate. You will join at an exciting time as Leeds Beckett develops a new Estates Masterplan and prepares for the next phase of investment, development and transformation across its campuses.

Reporting to the Head of Planning & Development, you will lead the successful delivery of high-value and complex capital projects and programmes across the University estate. You will play a key role in planning, developing and delivering the University’s capital programme, whilst promoting consistent project management standards, governance and best practice across the Planning & Development team.

Working closely with colleagues across Estates, Finance, Sustainability, Space Planning and the wider University, you will help ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, sustainably and in line with long-term strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategically significant, complex capital projects and programmes through all RIBA stages.
• Support the ongoing development and delivery of the University’s capital programme.
• Manage project governance, reporting, risk, cost, quality and programme performance.
• Lead procurement activity and advise on project delivery strategies.
• Manage consultants, contractors and professional advisers.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the University and external partners.
• Provide clear reporting and recommendations to senior leaders, programme boards and governance groups.
• Drive sustainability and environmental considerations across all development activity.
• Support continuous improvement of project management standards, governance and procedures.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to the Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager.

What We’re Looking For

We are interested in hearing from experienced project leaders with a track record of delivering complex construction, estates or infrastructure projects within large and complex organisations.

Candidates may come from Higher Education, NHS, local government, commercial property, infrastructure, transport, housing or other multi-site environments where stakeholder engagement, governance and project delivery are critical.

You will bring:

• A degree in a construction-related discipline and membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, APM, RIBA or equivalent.
• Significant experience delivering large and complex capital projects and programmes.
• Strong understanding of project governance, procurement and contract administration.
• Experience working through RIBA stages and managing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commercial awareness and a strong value-for-money mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capability.
• Strong leadership skills with experience supporting and developing others.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with exceptional project delivery discipline.

You will be someone who:

• Builds trusted relationships and works collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and personal accountability.
• Creates an inclusive and supportive culture where people can perform at their best.
• Encourages innovation, embraces change and challenges traditional ways of working.
• Places sustainability, quality and long-term value at the heart of decision-making.
• Leads with authenticity, curiosity and a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes for colleagues, students and the wider community.

This is a rare opportunity to join a university investing in its future and creating a new leadership team to drive meaningful change. You will help deliver major capital projects, support the development of the emerging Estates Masterplan and contribute to creating an outstanding environment for students, staff and visitors.

Our Values

At Leeds Beckett University, our leadership team is committed to creating an environment where people can thrive. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to the University’s values of Inclusive, Teamwork, Integrity, Pragmatism, Ambition and Purposeful.