At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for UCL's Capital Works Programme and manage complex development projects.
- Company: UCL, a world-leading institution with a vibrant estate and diverse opportunities.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and thrive in a complex, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Shape UCL's physical environment and make a real impact on campus development.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning large-scale construction projects and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The UCL Estate comprises over 240 buildings, more than 6.5 million square feet of academic accommodation and around 4500 owned student bedrooms. The location, scale, variety and complexity of the estate are unparalleled in the Higher Education sector, including world-leading research, teaching, offices and student accommodation within our Bloomsbury and UCL East campus, at Stratford.
Together, Campus Experience and Infrastructure and Estates Development (CE&I and ED) is responsible for managing all aspects of the UCL Estate from the strategic to the operational, including property asset management, master-planning, capital projects and seamless end to end operational support. The function comprises approximately 350 FM and property professionals, project managers and customer facing operational colleagues. From providing student accommodation, security and catering, to delivering an estates masterplan and all forms of capital projects in a sustainable manner. We are a collective of technical professionals who work together to deliver a resilient, functional, and vibrant estate.
About the role: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Planning to play a pivotal leadership role within the Capital Projects Programme team. Reporting to the Director of Estates Development, Capital Programme, you will lead the planning (programme and schedule) function for UCL's Capital Works Programme and wider Estates Development portfolio.
The Capital Programme team oversees the delivery of all capital works across the UCL Estate, from inception through to operational handover. This includes refurbishment, adaptation and new build projects, as well as infrastructure and public realm works. Our projects are highly bespoke, designed and delivered to industry-leading standards, and play a critical role in shaping UCL's physical environment. The team also leads the development of Built Environment Opportunities, identifying and progressing property initiatives that deliver exceptional buildings and places for UCL.
In this role, you will establish and lead a robust, portfolio-wide planning function, working closely with PMO colleagues, Project Officers and Project Managers to plan ahead for stage-gate reviews and coordinate engagement across the wider Estates function. You will be responsible for capturing and maintaining an accurate, integrated programme overview across all works, setting the programme-wide planning and reporting model, and working with programme leadership to challenge performance and drive improvement. You will also partner closely with the Estates Leadership Team to manage and optimise the estates pipeline programme.
About you: You will bring demonstrable experience of leading and delivering the planning function across a large and complex portfolio of development and construction projects, spanning both early development and delivery stages. You will be comfortable working across the full project lifecycle and will have a strong understanding of how effective planning underpins successful programme delivery.
You will hold an HNC, degree or equivalent qualification in a construction-related discipline, or relevant trade qualifications, and will be able to operate confidently at both a strategic portfolio level and at detailed project level. You will thrive in environments characterised by ambiguity and complex interdependencies, using sound judgement and professional expertise to manage competing priorities and evolving requirements.
You will have demonstrable experience of working with a range of contract forms, including JCT and NEC, alongside a strong understanding of the RIBA process. You will be experienced in reporting to Executive and Board-level governance and will be adept at using accurate, insightful programme information to inform decision-making and drive improved performance.
You will have excellent working knowledge of industry-standard planning software, such as Asta Powerproject and/or Primavera, and will be a confident and effective communicator. You will be able to convey complex or technical information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, to a wide range of stakeholders, including non-specialist audiences.
Experience of working within a Higher Education and/or infrastructure environment would be highly advantageous.
Please review the JD, paying particular attention to the Essential and Desirable criteria, and ensure these are addressed in your application.
What we offer: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits.
Head of Planning (Estates) in London employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the unique context of one of the largest and most diverse estates in the Higher Education sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, a collaborative culture among over 350 dedicated professionals, and generous benefits including 41 days of holiday. Join us in shaping a vibrant academic landscape while enjoying the advantages of working in the heart of Bloomsbury and UCL East campus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning (Estates) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at UCL or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into UCL's projects and values. Show us you know what makes our estate unique and how your experience aligns with our goals. Tailor your answers to reflect our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Head of Planning, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Grab a friend and do some mock interviews to refine your ability to explain your planning strategies effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning (Estates) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of Planning role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our dynamic team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in planning and delivering complex projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage competing priorities and drive improvements, as this is key for us.
Address the Criteria:Carefully review the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Make sure to address each point in your application, showing us how you meet these requirements and why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity within UCL's Estates Development team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the UCL Estate and its complexities. Familiarise yourself with their capital projects, planning processes, and the specific challenges they face in the higher education sector. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience leading planning functions for large-scale development projects. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've navigated complex interdependencies and managed competing priorities. This will highlight your ability to thrive in similar environments at UCL.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice conveying complex information in a straightforward manner. Since you'll be dealing with various stakeholders, including non-specialists, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure clarity.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaborating with the Capital Programme team and other departments. Highlight your experience working with PMO colleagues and project managers, and discuss how you can contribute to optimising the estates pipeline programme. This shows you're a team player who values collaboration.
