Programme Manager - Space Planning

Burman Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading London university is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to oversee space management and estates initiatives. You will lead projects ensuring alignment with academic priorities, establish governance processes, and coordinate internal and external teams. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in space management and a recognised project management qualification. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills are essential. This role is crucial for enhancing the student experience and optimizing space utilization.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing space management, estates, or built-environment programmes.
• Strong understanding of programme and project governance within complex organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate space management programmes, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy.
• Scope and prioritise projects before entry into the Capital Programme.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans and manage dependencies across initiatives.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project governance

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

APM PMQ or equivalent

Job description

Programme Manager - Space Management

6-Month Contract - London University

A leading London university is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of space management and estates-related initiatives. The role sits within the university's Capital Programme and is critical to ensuring space-related projects are strategically aligned with academic priorities and the student experience.

You will be responsible for establishing effective governance, managing interdependencies across space and estates programmes, and overseeing the planning and delivery of complex projects through internal teams and external consultants.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate space management programmes, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy
• Scope and prioritise projects before entry into the Capital Programme
• Establish and manage programme and project governance, including reporting and decision‑making processes
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans and manage dependencies across space-related initiatives
• Oversee external consultants delivering master plans and specialist space projects
• Manage programme risks, issues, and change, escalating where required
• Engage a wide range of stakeholders, including academic staff, professional services, students, and governance groups
• Define, track, and report programme benefits and KPIs linked to space utilisation and performance

About You

• Proven experience managing space management, estates, or built‑environment programmes
• APM PMQ or equivalent recognised project/programme management qualification
• Strong understanding of programme and project governance within complex organisations
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines