At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of long-term maintenance programmes for a prestigious university estate.
- Company: University of the Arts London is a global leader in creativity and innovation, shaping future talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, inclusive policies, and a vibrant multicultural community.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team driving major estate transformations at a top-ranked arts university.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project management within complex estate portfolios is essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 21st September 2025; diverse candidates 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 the estates long term maintenance programme.
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 Estate Development, the Principal Project Manager leads the strategic planning, and delivery of high-value, complex long-term maintenance programmes across the University estate. The post holder will provide senior-level expertise in project and programme management, ensuring that long-term strategic maintenance activities are aligned with estate strategy, asset lifecycle planning and compliance obligations.
We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of project managing long-term maintenance programmes across a diverse and complex estate portfolio.You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, together with strong technical knowledge relating to strategic maintenance planning and project and contract delivery. We are looking for individuals who 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 a £multi-million estate investment programme 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 LTM.
To arrange a briefing discussion, please contact our retained advisors Nick Coppard (nick.coppard@mrgglobal.com) and Kelley Brown (kelley.brown@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 LTM 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 LTM
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UAL's long-term maintenance programme and the specific projects outlined in their 10-year Estates Strategy. Understanding the strategic goals and current initiatives will help you demonstrate your alignment with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the project management and estates sectors, particularly those who have experience in educational environments. Engaging with industry contacts can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing complex maintenance programmes. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, as these are crucial for the Principal Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for UAL's mission and its impact on the creative community. During any interactions, express your passion for contributing to a vibrant and inclusive environment, as this aligns with UAL's values and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Manager LTM
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly in long-term maintenance programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and align with UAL's strategic goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the role and the university. Discuss how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for leading UAL's estates long-term maintenance programme. Be sure to mention your interpersonal skills and technical knowledge.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles. For instance, mention successful projects you've managed, budgets you've overseen, or improvements you've implemented that align with sustainability and compliance.
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
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific responsibilities of the Principal Project Manager. Familiarise yourself with UAL's long-term maintenance programme and how it aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing complex long-term maintenance programmes. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on your role, challenges faced, and how you ensured compliance and sustainability.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams and stakeholders in past projects. Show your enthusiasm for fostering a positive team environment.
✨Align with UAL's Values
Research UAL's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment that supports the university's mission.