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- Tasks: Lead transformative capital projects across UAL's estate portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery.
- Company: Join UAL, a global leader in creativity and innovation, shaping the future of arts education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, inclusive policies, and a vibrant multicultural community.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team delivering impactful projects for a world-renowned university.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large-scale projects (£20m+) with strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Applications close on 21st September 2025; diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 49600 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
£59,649 – £72,049, but could go to £75,000 for the right candidate
University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a Principal Project Manager to lead the delivery of transformative capital projects across its estate portfolio.
UAL is a global leader in creativity, innovation, and invention across the knowledge economy. Formed of six renowned Colleges and four Institutes across London, forming one University, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UAL is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a creative powerhouse. With a vibrant, multicultural community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.
Now is an exciting time to be joining UAL to take up this role. A 10-year Estates Strategy has been developed which will see the delivery of new campuses for London College of Fashion (completed in 2024) and London College of Communication (to be completed in 2027) as well as a period of estate transformation across our existing portfolio that ensures the UAL estate is fit for purpose, sustainable and provides world-class facilities and experience to our students, staff and partners. Following the appointment of new Associate Directors in the areas of Estate Development and Facilities Management in 2024, we are now embarking on an investment in the team that will see the appointment to c.25 new roles in these areas.
UAL’s capital programme to 2030 represents over £100m of planned investment, delivering a series of major projects aligned to the University’s Size and Shape strategy, Net Zero commitments, and long-term operational sustainability. This includes a pipeline of estate transformation and academic growth schemes across the Colleges, alongside a targeted Scope 1 and 2 decarbonisation programme. In parallel, UAL will continue to deliver an annual Long-Term Maintenance programme of circa £9m to preserve and enhance the condition, compliance and resilience of the estate.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Estates Development, the Principal Project Manager leads the planning and delivery of complex, high-value (>£20m) capital projects across the UAL estate portfolio. The role provides senior-level expertise in project and programme management within the Estate Development team, including supporting and managing project managers within the team.
We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of leading large-scale (>£20m) and complex projects from inception to completion across a range of building types. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, together with strong technical skills developed throughout the RIBA stages of projects. We are looking for individuals that will bring a high level of positivity and energy to the team, with an enthusiasm for UAL’s impact and the role that the estate can play in enabling this.
The role offers a fantastic career opportunity to lead the delivery of transformative capital projects for a world-renowned university and arts organisation with an extraordinary London estate portfolio. The Candidate Brochure can be viewed at UAL – Principal Project Manager.
To arrange a briefing discussion, please contact our retained advisors Nick Coppard (nick.coppard@mrgglobal.com) and Charley McCarthy (charley.mccarthy@mrgglobal.com) at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and should be submitted via our website here.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 21st September 2025.
UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.
Principal Project Manager employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the project management and higher education sectors. Attend industry events or webinars related to capital projects and university estates to meet potential colleagues and learn about UAL's specific needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with UAL's current and upcoming projects, especially the 10-year Estates Strategy. Understanding their vision will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale projects, particularly those over £20m. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully navigated complex challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for UAL's mission and values. Research their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, and think about how your personal values align with theirs, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Project Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially the emphasis on leading large-scale projects and strong interpersonal abilities.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing complex projects over £20m. Include specific examples of past projects, your role in them, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your capability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for UAL's mission and the transformative impact of its capital projects. Make sure to connect your personal values with those of the university.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application via the specified website, including both your CV and cover letter. Double-check that all documents are formatted correctly and free of errors before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing large-scale projects, particularly those over £20m. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as the outcomes of your projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Project Manager, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders at all levels.
✨Align with UAL's Vision
Research UAL's mission and values, especially their commitment to creativity and sustainability. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their transformative capital projects.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and UAL's future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
