At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting education construction projects that make a real difference for schools and students.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a supportive and innovative workplace focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a modern office environment in the heart of Reading.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome talent from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on education while developing your career in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction project management, ideally within education or public sector settings.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 50269 £ 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.
About The Role
You’ll lead and manage multiple education capital projects simultaneously, working closely with schools, consultants, contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery on time and within budget. Projects range from smaller refurbishment schemes to major developments exceeding £5 million, all with critical deadlines linked to pupil place delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
About You
We’re looking for a confident and organised professional with strong construction project management expertise and experience delivering construction or property projects within an education or public sector environment. Preference will be given to engineers, surveyors, architects.
You Will Bring
- 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
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years, with the option to buy additional leave
- 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 LGPS members)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – support for rail or bus journey costs
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – lease a brand new, greener car for three years, including insurance, servicing and road tax
Our Offer
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. 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.
Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading employer: South East Employers
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where innovation and ambition are highly valued. With generous holiday entitlements, flexible working opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the education sector while enjoying a modern workplace in the heart of Reading. Our inclusive culture ensures that all voices are heard, making it a rewarding place to develop your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading
✨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 South East Employers, 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 Principal Education Property Development Officer at South East Employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Education Property Development Officer in Reading
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 South East Employers
✨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!
