Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 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
✨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
Get involved in relevant events or conferences. This is a great way to meet key players in the field, showcase your expertise, and learn about the latest trends in estates strategy and development. Plus, it’s a fab chance to make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on space planning and design. Engaging with content related to the higher education sector can help you stand out and attract the attention of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates Strategy and Development
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 skills align with our vision for the estate, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead teams. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects where you’ve guided a team to achieve great results.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Communication is key! Share examples of how you've engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. We want to know how you’ve navigated complex environments and built relationships that drive success.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group Services Ltd
✨Know Your Space Strategy
Make sure you understand the key elements of space planning and design in higher education. Familiarise yourself with current trends and best practices in creating functional, sustainable, and inclusive environments. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired others and navigated complex organisational structures to achieve successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Align with Institutional Priorities
Research the institution's mission and values, and think about how your vision for estates strategy aligns with their goals. Be prepared to articulate how your approach can support academic excellence and enhance the student and staff experience.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Bring specific case studies or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to deliver effective space strategies. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work on the institution's environment.
