At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse refurbishment and new build projects at a top UK university.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a leading Russell Group institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities within a supportive and inclusive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable and inclusive estate development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in capital project delivery and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
The University of Southampton is seeking to appoint a Senior Project Manager within its Estates Development team. The University of Southampton is a leading UK institution and a founding member of the Russell Group, recognised globally for the quality of its education, research and wider societal impact. With a large and diverse international community spanning multiple campuses, the University combines academic excellence with a vibrant, well‑established environment.
Consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities, Southampton delivers education at scale while maintaining a strong focus on student experience, engagement and outcomes. The University has a diverse estate, property and land portfolio spanning several campuses, including the main Highfield Campus, the City Centre Campus, Avenue Campus, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and the Winchester School of Art.
The Estates & Facilities team ensures that the University’s built environment supports the activities of a world‑class institution, across a portfolio of academic, state‑of‑the‑art research, clinical, enterprise, workspace, residential, social, sporting and community facilities. Ambitious plans are underway, with a long‑term estates masterplan set to deliver c.£1bn of investment in a more sustainable and inclusive estate over the next decade.
Following the successful expansion of the Estate Development team in 2024 and 2025, the University is now entering the next phase of its growth, with the recruitment of additional Senior Project Managers and Project Managers. Reporting to the Associate Directors of Estate Development, the Senior Project Manager role offers an excellent client‑side opportunity to lead and manage a diverse portfolio of refurbishment and new build projects, typically ranging from £1m to £30m, with the opportunity to support the delivery of major schemes up to £100m+.
You will be responsible for overseeing projects from inception through design, construction and mobilisation, ensuring that programme, cost, quality and sustainability objectives are met. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in the development and delivery of capital projects within complex physical and stakeholder environments. You will bring excellent communication skills, a collaborative and inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement, and a genuine commitment to delivering a high‑quality, future‑ready estate.
The University of Southampton is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a diverse environment. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications that will continue to strengthen the diversity of our governing body. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion and are immensely proud to have been awarded an institutional Athena SWAN silver award, which underpins our pledge to improve equality for women. We are also delighted to have received the Race Equality Charter bronze award from Advance HE, which recognises that we have a solid foundation for eliminating racial inequalities and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff and students.
We work with our people to ensure their ideas are always heard, and we invite you to share your background and life experiences with us to help us create a truly unique working environment.
Locations
Senior Project Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among its staff. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to impactful marketing strategies that shape the future of education. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a healthy work-life balance and values diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 University of Southampton, 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 Senior Project Manager at University of Southampton.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
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 University of Southampton
✨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!
