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- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse construction projects at a top university.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a vibrant community and innovative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student lives and contribute to sustainability goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading construction projects and knowledge of JCT contracts required.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful campus with dynamic facilities and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead our Built Environment Project team at the University and oversee the delivery of a variety of construction and refurbishment projects across our diverse estate. This is a high-profile position leading, directing and managing the capital project management team charged with the intelligent client-side management of the University's (academic and residential) built environment. This includes programmes of construction, remodelling, refurbishment, and development of the university space to described standards and specification. The role will also oversee built environment capital finance and project Health and Safety.
Role & Responsibilities
- The post holder will be a key member of the Leadership and Management Teams within Estates and Facilities Management leading and contributing to the overall strategic, planning, and operational position required to ensure that the team delivers a professional built environment project management service to provide the physical environment and services for the benefit of the University community and is commensurate with the University's corporate objectives and its mission.
- Strategically plan, organise, and manage the built environment capital works programme and its related resources and services to ensure project delivery meets good practice, in line with the requirements of the University and in accordance with University Estates Strategy. Key will be the development of standardised specifications and project process.
- Delivery of highly customer focussed Estate's project management and custodial services throughout the University, ensuring a high-quality level of client support. Encouraging customer ownership of projects through the provision of quality information and use of open systems.
- Ensure the team procure and efficiently manage all projects and services related to the development and implementation of projects on the University estate, at all times seeking best value and a high degree of interface with internal engineering expertise in the Maintenance Services, Planning, Systems, Utility & Sustainability and Space Planning teams.
- Responsible for ensuring that all building work undertaken by the University is fully compliant with all relevant legislation, regulations, and standards. This includes, but is not limited to, adherence to building codes, health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry best practices. The role requires continuous monitoring and updating of compliance protocols to reflect any changes in legislation or standards, ensuring that all projects meet the highest levels of legal and regulatory compliance.
- Evaluating project delivery to ensure that it provided best value to the University. Putting in place robust monitoring to ensure timely completion of projects within budget. Providing high level and detailed reports on the financial position of capital expenditure and project retention.
- Management of the Project Team's Health & Safety Assurance function including the legal requirements for CDMC to promote, support, monitor and report on best practice in health, safety management across all areas of project activity within Estates and Facilities Management.
- Drive excellent working relationships with other EF colleagues to ensure a cohesive, and partnership approach that achieves the best outcomes for the EF department and University as a whole.
About you
- We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate proven experience of leading a construction project team in the HE sector.
- Proven project delivery experience of major capital construction projects within a diverse and complex operating environment.
- Working knowledge of the JCT 2024 Suite of Contracts.
- Experience in procuring and managing external consultants to achieve project objectives.
- The desire and motivation to be successful and to contribute towards the continual improvement of our project delivery model.
What's in it for you
This is a real opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of our students and academic communities, not only in relation to improving the facilities of a world leading academic institution but also in supporting our ambitious climate and wider sustainability ambitions. As you would expect of a 1960's campus, our buildings reflect a wide spectrum of construction types that, in turn, support a range of science, engineering, health and arts provision that contributes to both regional and national communities and economies. Surrey is an amazing place to work, but we would say that wouldn't we? and we are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place from which to work and thrive within a beautiful, leafy environment that encompass carefully curated gardens, vibrant green playing fields, and a picturesque lake. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the University is very much a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research in an inspiring, innovative, and diverse environment.
Benefits
- 25 Days Annual Leave + 7 University Closure Days - around Christmas and Easter + Bank Holidays.
- Highly competitive Pension Scheme.
- Ongoing Training & Development opportunities.
- Flexible, hybrid working.
- On-site discounted Nursery/Childcare.
- Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme.
- Discounted Surrey Sports Park Membership.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter on the University website summarising your suitable skills for the role. Further details: Marco Holness, Director of Estates and Facilities m.holness@surrey.ac.uk. Interviews will be held on Friday 30th January 2026.
Head of Built Environment in Guildford employer: Esrc IAA University of Surrey
Contact Detail:
Esrc IAA University of Surrey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Built Environment in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the built environment sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and project management successes, especially in complex environments like higher education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the university’s goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Built Environment in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Built Environment role. Highlight your experience in leading construction projects and managing teams, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your skills and fit for the position.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key member of the Leadership and Management Teams, we need someone who can lead effectively. In your application, highlight examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past, especially in complex environments like higher education.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the University. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Esrc IAA University of Surrey
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and ability to manage complex projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance Standards
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on relevant legislation and standards related to construction and health and safety. Being able to speak confidently about how you've ensured compliance in previous projects will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and communication, especially in a diverse environment. This will help convey your fit for a leadership position within the university's project management team.
✨Showcase Your Customer Focus
Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond to meet client needs in your projects. Discuss how you’ve encouraged customer ownership and provided quality information. This will align well with the university's emphasis on high-quality client support.
