Project Manager

University Arts London; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts university based in the UK is seeking a Project Manager to manage medium-sized capital and maintenance projects within the Estates Development team. This role, offering hybrid working, entails overseeing all phases of projects from feasibility through procurement to handover. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in leading refurbishment projects, excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude towards the university's mission. Competitive salary and benefits provided.

Benefits

34 days of annual leave

Flexible and dynamic working options

Discounted Medical Insurance

Free counselling services

Equal Parental Leave policy

Defined-benefit pension scheme

In-house training and development

Interest-free loans for travel and tech

Discounts on gym memberships and more

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading refurbishment and fit-out projects in the £250k to £5m range.
• Strong technical knowledge throughout the project lifecycle.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for UAL's mission.

Responsibilities

• Manage all stages of project lifecycle from feasibility to handover.
• Deliver medium-sized capital and maintenance projects across the University's estate.
• Support planning and execution of larger, complex schemes.

Skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Technical knowledge

Education

Experience managing refurbishment and fit-out projects

Job description

Project Manager

Vacancy ID: 12214

College/Executive Group: Estates

Department/Team: Estates Development

Location: Hybrid - CSM King's Cross/Home

Hybrid working: Flexible hybrid - 50% on-site, 50% WFH

Grade: Grade 6

Salary: £52,977 - £63,815 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Term: Full time - 35 hours per week

DBS check required: Yes - Enhanced DBS

Job family: Professional & Administrative

Advertised: Agency managed

Apply by: 15 February 2026 23:55

Interviews: February 2026

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a Project Manager within the Estates Development team. UAL is a global leader in creativity, innovation, and invention across the knowledge economy. Formed of six renowned Colleges and four Institutes across London, forming one University, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UAL is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a creative powerhouse. With a vibrant, multicultural community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.

Now is an exciting time to be joining UAL to take up this role. A 10-year Estates Strategy has been developed which will see the delivery of new campuses for London College of Fashion (completed in 2024) and London College of Communication (to be completed in 2027) as well as a period of estate transformation across our existing portfolio that ensures the UAL estate is fit for purpose, sustainable and provides world‑class facilities and experience to our students, staff and partners. Following the appointment of new Associate Directors in the areas of Estate Development and Facilities Management in 2024, we are now embarking on an investment in the team that will see the appointment to c.25 new roles in these areas.

UAL's capital programme to 2030 represents over £100m of planned investment, delivering a series of major projects aligned to the University's Size and Shape strategy, Net Zero commitments, and long‑term operational sustainability. This includes a pipeline of estate transformation and academic growth schemes across the Colleges, alongside a targeted Scope 1 and 2 decarbonisation programme. In parallel, UAL will continue to deliver an annual Long‑Term Maintenance programme of circa £9m to preserve and enhance the condition, compliance and resilience of the estate.

Reporting to the Head of Projects, the Project Manager will be responsible for the delivery of medium‑sized capital and maintenance projects across the University's estate, whilst also getting the opportunity to support the planning and execution of larger, more complex schemes. You will manage all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility and stakeholder engagement through to procurement, construction, and handover.

The role offers a fantastic career opportunity to contribute to the future of a world‑renowned university and arts organisation, supporting the transformation of its extraordinary London estate.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Projects, the Project Manager will be responsible for the delivery of medium‑sized capital and maintenance projects across the University's estate, whilst also getting the opportunity to support the planning and execution of larger, more complex schemes. You will manage all stages of the project lifecycle, from feasibility and stakeholder engagement through to procurement, construction, and handover.

About you

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of leading refurbishment and fit‑out projects in the £250k to £5m value range. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, together with strong technical knowledge developed throughout the design, contract procurement, construction, and commissioning stages of projects. We are looking for individuals who will bring a high level of positivity and energy to the team, with an enthusiasm for UAL's impact and the role that the estate can play in enabling this.

Application process

This vacancy is being managed by external agency - Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a briefing discussion, please contact our retained advisors Kelley Brown () and Nick Coppard () at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and should be submitted via the following link:

What we offer

• 34 days of annual leave and 2 days off to volunteer plus bank holidays
• Flexible and Dynamic working options available from the first day
• Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in‑patient and day‑case treatment
• Free counselling and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Sector‑leading Equal Parental Leave policy (6 months full pay for both parents)
• Defined‑benefit LGPS pension scheme
• In‑house training and development including apprenticeships and free places on creative courses
• Interest free loans on travel and tech, discounts on gym memberships, nursery fees, eye care and much more
• Various opportunities to attend student shows and exhibitions

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre‑degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre‑Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That's why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.