Senior Project Manager

Global University Systems; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Contributory Pension Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Season Ticket Loan

Eye Care Vouchers

Training & Development opportunities

Staff Discount Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend Scheme

Job summary

Global University Systems is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of capital projects across a diverse higher-education estate, including refurbishments, new builds and specialist spaces, with full oversight of M&E systems such as HVAC, electrical, fire and data.

You will manage design coordination, commissioning and handover, support technical due diligence for property acquisitions, oversee procurement and contracts, and provide programme reporting, financial

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering capital projects across refurbishments, fit-outs, and new builds with strong M&E focus.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, building services design, and statutory compliance.
• Experience managing commissioning, testing, and handover of M&E systems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Demonstrable procurement and contract management experience.
• Strong financial and programme management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of capital projects with full oversight of M&E systems.
• Manage design coordination, commissioning, and handover to ensure compliance and sustainability.
• Support technical due diligence and advising on building services for acquisitions.
• Oversee procurement and contract management, including tendering and supplier selection.
• Provide programme reporting, financial tracking, and risk management guidance.
• Drive safety, compliance, and sustainability across the project lifecycle.

Skills

Capital project delivery

M&E systems

Procurement & contract management

Financial & programme management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

CIBSE / IMechE / IET / RICS / CIOB / APM qualification

Engineering degree (MEng/BEng)

Job description

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning. We offer a choice of career‑enhancing certificates, degrees and post‑graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi‑national community of students for lifelong success. Our world‑leading network and state‑of‑the‑art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.

The Senior Project Manager will lead the delivery of capital projects across a diverse higher‑education estate, covering refurbishments, fit‑outs, new space development, and strategic property acquisitions. The role requires strong technical capability across construction and mechanical & electrical (M&E) systems, ensuring projects are safe, compliant, efficient, and aligned with institutional growth plans. The postholder will manage projects from feasibility and test fits through procurement, delivery, commissioning, and handover.

Summary of Role

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of capital projects (refurbishments, new builds, specialist spaces), with full oversight of M&E systems (HVAC, electrical, fire, BMS, data and energy solutions).
• Manage design coordination, commissioning, and handover, ensuring compliance, quality, sustainability, and operational readiness.
• Support property acquisitions, undertaking technical due diligence, feasibility assessments, and advising on building services and risk.
• Oversee procurement and contract management, including tendering, supplier selection, and delivery against JCT/NEC frameworks.
• Act as a key stakeholder interface, providing programme reporting, financial tracking, and risk management while ensuring alignment to strategic and operational objectives.
• Drive compliance, safety, and sustainability best practice, maintaining robust documentation and asset data throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience delivering capital projects, refurbishments, and fit‑outs with significant M&E components.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, building services design, and statutory compliance.
• Experience managing commissioning, testing, and handover of M&E systems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Demonstrable procurement and contract management experience.
• Strong financial and programme management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education, public sector, or complex multi‑site estates.
• Professional qualification (e.g., CIBSE, IMechE, IET, RICS, CIOB, APM) or working towards one.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, energy‑efficient design, and net‑zero strategies.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working – most roles offer hybrid or flexible arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme – 5% personal contribution & 3% company contribution.
• Private Medical Insurance (T&C's apply).
• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) – interest‑free travel loan.
• Eye Care Vouchers – support for regular eye tests and essential eyewear.
• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) – access to short courses via FutureLearn and group‑wide professional development programmes.
• Staff Discount Scheme – via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – fashion, grocery, health & beauty, travel, automotive, furniture, dining, sports and leisure, electronics, etc.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support for wellbeing.
• Refer a Friend Scheme for staff members (T&C's apply) – earn rewards for helping us bring great talent into the team.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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