Head of Campus Development

Edinburgh Napier University; Edinburgh Gate; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Edinburgh Napier University is seeking a Head of Campus Development to lead a strategic campus transformation, including a new Gyle campus and the transition from Merchiston. You will oversee a cross-functional team, manage external partners and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.

You will work closely with senior leaders and University Court, champion sustainability and innovation, and steer governance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement across a period of

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading major estates, capital development or transformation programmes.
• Track record of delivering large-scale construction, refurbishment or property development projects.
• Outstanding leadership and stakeholder management.
• Ability to influence at executive and board level.
• Experience managing external consultants, contractors and procurement.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management.
• Commitment to sustainability, innovation and customer outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of the campus development programme.
• Develop new facilities at the Gyle site and manage the transition from Merchiston.
• Establish and lead a high-performing team of project and construction professionals.
• Develop governance, programme controls and performance reporting arrangements.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors and external partners to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide strategic advice and assurance to senior leadership and University Court.
• Champion sustainability and continuous improvement across all aspects of campus development.
• Build engagement and bring colleagues and stakeholders on a journey through a period of significant organisational transformation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Programme delivery

Stakeholder management

Leadership at executive level

Procurement experience

Commercial awareness

Sustainability focus

Change management

Job description

Edinburgh Napier University is embarking on one of the most significant and ambitious transformation programmes in its history.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Campus Development to lead the delivery of our strategic campus vision, including the development of a new campus at Gyle and the successful transition from our Merchiston campus. This is a unique opportunity to lead a programme of investment and change that will shape the University for generations to come.

Reporting to the Director of Property and Facilities, you will provide strategic leadership across a newly established Campus Development team, bringing together internal expertise and external consultants to deliver a complex portfolio of projects that support the University's long-term ambitions.

This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring an individual who can inspire confidence, build strong partnerships and navigate a complex stakeholder environment. You will work closely with senior leaders, University Court, external partners and professional advisers to ensure that projects are delivered safely, sustainably, within budget and aligned to the University's strategic objectives.

About the Role

As Head of Campus Development, you will:

• Lead the planning and delivery of the University's campus development programme.
• Drive the development of new facilities at the Gyle site and support the responsible transition from the Merchiston campus.
• Establish and lead a high-performing team of project and construction professionals.
• Develop robust governance, programme controls and performance reporting arrangements.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors and external partners to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide strategic advice and assurance to senior leadership and University Court.
• Champion innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across all aspects of campus development.
• Build engagement and bring colleagues and stakeholders on a journey through a period of significant organisational transformation.

About You

We are looking for an experienced leader who combines strategic vision with strong programme delivery expertise.

You will bring:

• Significant experience of leading major estates, capital development or transformation programmes within higher education, the public sector, or a similarly complex environment.
• A successful track record of delivering large-scale construction, refurbishment or property development projects.
• Outstanding leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence and engage effectively at executive and board level.
• Experience of managing external consultants, contractors and complex procurement activity.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capability.
• A commitment to sustainability, innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes for customers and stakeholders.
• The credibility and presence to lead one of the University's most strategically important programmes.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a transformational programme that will redefine Edinburgh Napier University's estate and enhance the experience of future generations of students and colleagues.

You’ll join a values-led institution with a strong sense of purpose, ambitious plans for the future and a commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative and sustainable environment where people can thrive.