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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and design of academic and research spaces for a vibrant campus.
- Company: Dynamic higher education institution in South West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future learning environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student and staff experiences through innovative space design.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in space planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on sustainability and inclusivity in design.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Director of Estates Strategy and Development to lead the planning, design, and stewardship of our physical estate in support of academic excellence, research ambition, and an outstanding student and staff experience. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping how space is conceived, designed, and used across a complex and evolving higher education campus. You will ensure that our learning, research, and social environments are functional, sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with institutional strategy. Working closely with academic leaders, estates colleagues, and external partners, you will bring together long‑term space planning, high-quality design, and evidence-based decision-making to support the future of the institution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic planning and design of academic, research, and non-academic space across the estate.
- Develop and deliver a long-term space strategy aligned with institutional priorities, growth plans, and pedagogic innovation.
- Provide leadership on design quality, ensuring all projects reflect best practice in functionality, inclusivity, sustainability, and placemaking.
- Oversee space utilisation analysis, standards, and governance to ensure efficient and effective use of the estate.
- Act as a senior advisor to executive leadership on space, design, and campus development matters.
- Collaborate with academic faculties, professional services, and student stakeholders to understand evolving space needs.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team covering space planning, design management, and analytics.
- Champion sustainability, accessibility, and wellbeing within all aspects of space and design.
- Oversee engagement with architects, designers, consultants, and external partners to ensure high-quality outcomes.
About You
You will be a strategic thinker with a strong design sensibility and a deep understanding of how space supports learning, research, and community. You will be comfortable operating at senior level, balancing vision with pragmatism, and influencing across a complex organisation.
Essential
- Significant senior-level experience in space planning, design, or estates strategy within multiple buildings with multiple uses.
- Strong understanding of the higher education or similarly complex institutional environment.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver estate or space strategies.
- Experience leading and inspiring professional teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Desirable
- Background in architecture, urban design, space planning, or estates management.
- Experience of campus masterplanning or large-scale capital programmes.
- Knowledge of space utilisation analytics and learning space design.
- Commitment to sustainability and inclusive design principles.
Director of Estates Strategy and Development in City of London employer: AJ Group Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
AJ Group Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Estates Strategy and Development in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's current projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their estates strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you quicker!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates Strategy and Development in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in space planning and design. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision for academic excellence and sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and influenced stakeholders in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience in the higher education sector or similar environments. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of campus development and can navigate them effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group Services Ltd
✨Know Your Space Strategy
Make sure you understand the current trends in space planning and design within higher education. Familiarise yourself with the institution's existing estate strategy and think about how your vision aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've inspired others or navigated complex stakeholder relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a senior role.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Inclusivity
Given the focus on sustainability and inclusive design, be ready to share your thoughts on these topics. Discuss any relevant projects you've worked on that prioritised these principles, and how you envision implementing them in future developments. This will highlight your commitment to the values they hold dear.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their current challenges in space utilisation or how they envision the future of their campus. Engaging in this way shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
