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- Tasks: Lead and manage estates operations and capital projects for a prestigious university.
- Company: Join Durham University, a top UK institution known for its historic setting and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and research while managing a diverse and historic estate.
- Qualifications: Seeking strategic thinkers with senior leadership experience in estates and project management.
- Other info: Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Director of Estates Operations and Capital ProjectsDurham University is seeking a strong strategic leader for the role of Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects. This senior position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the University\’s estate strategy, supporting world-class research, education, and student experience.As one of the UK\’s leading universities, Durham offers a unique and historic setting, a global outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, and a warm and inclusive community. Our refreshed sets ambitious goals for delivering transformative education and research, supported by a world-class estate.Durham\’s estate is central to achieving our strategic goals. This post will lead the Estates Operations, and Projects and Infrastructure teams, (approximately 130 staff), and manage a diverse estate portfolio of around 344 buildings, including over 70 listed buildings. Areas of responsibility include property assets and space management, building and engineering maintenance, energy, and capital projects and infrastructure delivery. The role is accountable for a revenue budget of £18m and a capital budget between £20-50m per annum.Strategic leadership and operational management are required across several key initiatives, including management of the capital plan, development of the strategic asset management plan, providing premises assurance and enabling digital campus transformation. This is an exciting time to be joining the Estates and Facilities Senior Leadership Team as custodians of such a high quality and diverse property portfolio. This post will require strong emotional intelligence qualities and excellent communication skills to successfully work with internal and external stakeholders.The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with senior leadership experience in estates operations and capital project management ideally with experience of leading change in operational service and capital project delivery models.The closing date for applications is, midnight on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects employer: Inside Higher Ed
Contact Detail:
Inside Higher Ed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, particularly those involved in estates management and capital projects. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Durham University's estate strategy and recent developments. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlight examples where you've led change in operational service and capital project delivery, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your emotional intelligence and communication skills by engaging with current employees or alumni from Durham University. This can provide insights into the organisational culture and help you articulate how you would fit into their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in strategic leadership, estates operations, and capital project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead change and manage budgets effectively.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the university's mission. Discuss how your strategic vision and leadership style can contribute to the university's goals, particularly in managing a diverse estate portfolio.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inside Higher Ed
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for the Director of Estates Operations and Capital Projects, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would shape and deliver an estate strategy that aligns with the university's goals, focusing on transformative education and research.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed large budgets, or implemented significant changes in estates operations or capital project management.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Given the need to work with various stakeholders, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex conversations and built relationships with internal and external parties in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Strong emotional intelligence is essential for this position. Think of instances where you've shown empathy, understanding, and adaptability in challenging situations, and be prepared to share these during your interview.
