At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting capital projects at one of the world's most prestigious universities.
- Company: The University of Oxford, a leader in research and education.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and extensive development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic projects that shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large-scale capital projects and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The University of Oxford is seeking to appoint a Project Director within its Estates Capital Projects team—an exceptional opportunity to lead a range of industry and sector-leading projects across one of the world’s most exciting and historic estate portfolios. The University aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers collaborate with academic, commercial and cultural partners worldwide, generating high-quality research and enabling innovation with significant social, policy and economic impact.
The University’s buildings and estate are integral to its academic mission and contribute greatly to Oxford’s reputation as a city of learning, heritage and culture. They form an essential part of the city’s architectural fabric and provide an inspiring environment for students, staff, visitors and the wider community.
Oxford delivers an impressive capital programme with an annual budget of approximately £200 million and a total programme value approaching £1 billion. Reporting to the Director of Capital Projects, the Project Director will lead schemes across multiple academic divisions and administrative departments, managing a diverse portfolio of capital projects typically up to £100m, with some exceeding £100m. You will take responsibility for project planning, design development, procurement, risk management, governance and stakeholder engagement, maintaining oversight of programme, budget and technical quality throughout the project lifecycle.
The successful candidate will bring proven experience of leading large-scale capital projects (typically £50m+) from inception through to completion. Highly delivery-focused and commercially astute, you will demonstrate a strong track record of ensuring exceptional quality and value across a wide variety of projects. Given the breadth of internal and external stakeholders involved across the University, this role also demands exceptional stakeholder management skills, alongside the credibility and confidence to engage and influence at a senior level.
The University offers a compelling benefits package that includes 30 days of annual leave (excluding public holidays) and hybrid working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees have access to extensive personal and professional development opportunities, an excellent contributory pension scheme, life cover, salary sacrifice, subsidised sports centre membership and cycle loan schemes. Additionally, the package offers supportive childcare services and generous family leave, ensuring comprehensive support for employees' well-being and family needs.
The candidate pack can be viewed here. For a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisor Nicholas Coppard at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and a Project List and should be sent to . Closing date for applications is 5th April 2026. Interviews will take place on 24th April 2026. The University of Oxford is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and we particularly encourage applications from individuals who are under-represented in our workforce.
Project Director in Banbury employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have ties to Oxford or similar institutions. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience with large-scale projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Oxford and ready to take on exciting challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Director role. Highlight your experience with large-scale capital projects and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage budgets and stakeholders effectively.
Craft a Compelling Project List: Your Project List should detail your most significant projects, especially those over £50m. Include specifics about your role, the challenges faced, and how you delivered exceptional quality and value throughout the project lifecycle.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, make sure to emphasise your experience in managing diverse stakeholders. Share examples of how you've influenced senior-level decisions and navigated complex relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the University of Oxford is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their capital programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially regarding large-scale projects over £50m.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the diverse range of stakeholders at the University, prepare examples that highlight your exceptional stakeholder management skills. Think about times when you've successfully engaged and influenced senior-level stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the Project Director role.
✨Demonstrate Your Delivery Focus
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've ensured exceptional quality and value in your projects. Highlight your delivery-focused approach and how you've managed risks and governance throughout the project lifecycle, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare Questions That Show Your Interest
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the University’s future projects and their impact on the community. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career goals.