At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting capital projects to modernise and enhance Marlborough College's estate.
- Company: Marlborough College, a prestigious independent boarding school with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape educational facilities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence significant investment decisions in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education while preserving heritage.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing complex construction and refurbishment projects.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Founded in 1843, Marlborough College is one of the UK's leading independent boarding schools, educating more than 1,000 pupils across a remarkable 250-acre estate in the heart of Wiltshire. Combining academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care, the College is home to a diverse portfolio of buildings and facilities, including 16 boarding houses, academic departments, sports venues and a unique collection of Grade II* listed heritage assets. The estate plays a central role in the experience we provide to pupils, staff and the wider College community. Over the last decade, Marlborough has invested approximately £90 million in maintaining, modernising and enhancing its built environment. With a further £90 million programme planned over the next ten years, this is an exciting opportunity to join the College at a pivotal stage in its development and help shape the future of one of the most significant educational estates in the country.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Bursar (COO), the Head of Capital Projects will lead the delivery of Marlborough College's ambitious 10-Year Refurbishment Plan, taking responsibility for a diverse programme of capital investment encompassing heritage conservation, boarding house modernisation, academic facilities, infrastructure renewal, sustainability initiatives and new developments. Acting as the College's client-side development lead, you will oversee projects from initial concept and feasibility through to completion and post-occupancy evaluation, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, on time and within budget. Managing multiple concurrent schemes across a live and operational campus, you will work closely with consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders to deliver projects that enhance both the physical estate and the educational experience. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring regular engagement with the Senior Management Team, Finance Committee, Estates Committee and College Council. Alongside project delivery, you will play a key role in long‑term estate planning, business case development, financial forecasting, governance, risk management and sustainability strategy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence some of the most significant estate investment decisions within the independent education sector.
About You
We are seeking an experienced capital projects professional with a proven track record of delivering complex construction, refurbishment and development programmes across large operational estates. You may have gained your experience within higher education, independent schools, healthcare, heritage organisations, major property estates or similarly complex environments where buildings remain occupied throughout project delivery. You will bring strong technical and commercial expertise, together with a thorough understanding of project governance, procurement, construction contracts and stakeholder management. Experience of working with listed buildings, conservation constraints and heritage‑sensitive projects will be particularly valuable, as will the ability to balance strategic planning with practical project delivery. You will be a confident communicator who can build credibility with senior leaders, professional advisers, contractors and end users alike. Equally comfortable presenting investment proposals to governance committees as you are walking a live construction site, you will combine sound judgement, attention to detail and a collaborative leadership style with a passion for delivering exceptional environments that support long‑term organisational success. This is a rare opportunity to lead a major capital programme within an institution of national standing, helping preserve its heritage while delivering the facilities and infrastructure that will support future generations of pupils and staff.
Marlborough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the College is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Head of Capital Projects in Marlborough employer: Marlborough College
Marlborough College is an exceptional employer that values its staff by offering flexible working hours and comprehensive training for the Household Cleaner role. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and reliability, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth and development, making it a rewarding place to build a career in domestic cleaning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Capital Projects in Marlborough
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Marlborough College, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Capital Projects at Marlborough College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Capital Projects in Marlborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marlborough College
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
