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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and design of academic and non-academic spaces on campus.
- Company: Dynamic higher education institution focused on academic excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape the future of education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learning environments and enhance student and staff experiences.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in space planning and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to sustainability and inclusive design.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Higher Education Sector
Location: South West London
Contract: 6 months initial, likely rolling
About the Role
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 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 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. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨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
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you land that Director of Estates Strategy and Development role. It's a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates Strategy and Development in 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 the estate strategy!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: We value strong communication skills, so be sure to include instances where you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders. This will show us you can navigate complex organisational structures.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure 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 is crucial for a senior role like this one, so be ready to highlight your experience.
✨Engage with Sustainability
Given the emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity in the job description, come prepared with ideas on how to champion these principles in space design. Share any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your commitment to these values, as they are likely to resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the institution's challenges. Inquire about their long-term vision for the estate and how they see the Director of Estates Strategy and Development contributing to that vision. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the position.
