At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful education construction projects that enhance schools and support young people's futures.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available to suit your lifestyle and promote work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while collaborating with passionate professionals in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Degree in construction/project management and experience in managing capital projects required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced construction project professional with a passion for improving schools and delivering projects that make a lasting impact for children and young people? We're looking for a Principal Education Property Development Officer to join our Education Property Development Team, leading the delivery of capital projects and programmes across Reading's education estate. This is a rewarding opportunity to manage a varied portfolio of school improvement, expansion and development projects that directly support the future of education provision across the borough.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We support hybrid working; it's important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you'll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Responsibilities
- Leading and managing multiple education capital projects simultaneously, working closely with schools, consultants, contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery on time and within budget.
- Managing education capital build projects on site from feasibility through to completion.
- Leading multidisciplinary project teams including architects, engineers and contractors.
- Working collaboratively with Headteachers, Academy Trusts, Governors and senior stakeholders.
- Managing procurement, planning applications and consultant appointments.
- Carrying out feasibility studies and supporting strategic education estate planning.
- Providing technical building advice and asset management support to schools.
- Preparing reports and briefings for senior managers and council committees.
- Ensuring compliance with financial, legal and risk management procedures.
Qualifications
- A relevant degree qualification and professional or technical construction/project management qualification.
- Experience managing capital projects and programmes across RIBA Stages of Work.
- Strong understanding of education capital projects and relevant legislation.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant and contractor teams.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Experience working within Local Government or education settings would be highly desirable.
You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
Our Offer and Benefits
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to innovation and ambition, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful education projects that shape the future of schools in Reading, all within a supportive environment that offers generous benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and construction sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in education property development. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to improving schools in Reading.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of past projects you've led, especially those that involved collaboration with schools or local authorities. This will demonstrate your ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of Team Reading and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing education capital projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since this role involves working closely with schools, contractors, and various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication and collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in past projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of education capital projects you've managed. Be ready to discuss specific examples that highlight your experience with RIBA stages and how you successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
✨Stakeholder Engagement
Prepare to talk about your approach to stakeholder management. Think of instances where you collaborated with Headteachers, Governors, or contractors. Show how your communication skills helped in resolving conflicts or driving projects forward.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Express your genuine interest in improving educational facilities. Share your vision for how effective property development can enhance learning environments and support children and young people in Reading.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate your strong organisational skills and how they contributed to the success of your projects.
