Director of Estates

The University of Westminster has a long and distinctive history. Founded over 180 years ago as London’s first polytechnic institution, we are now home to 21,000 students, based in the heart of the city. Today we are proud of our distinctive reputation for the many ways in which we help students to realise their full potential, regardless of background. We develop graduates who will help fuel growth and prosperity while remaining true to our founding values: inclusive, progressive and compassionate.  

We are now seeking a Director of Estates to play a critical role in delivering our Being Westminster Strategy 2022 - 29. Reporting to the University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will become a key member of the University’s professional services leadership team, with responsibility for the development, maintenance and review of our Estates Strategy, and the operation of our complex, multi-site London estate.

This is an exciting period of transformation and growth for our estate. We are planning to invest over £200m in new capital projects to 2029 across our academic and residential estate – including significant new build projects as well as refurbishments - in addition to our regular programme of capital works, sustainability initiatives and investments to support our academic mission. We need an exceptional individual to shape and deliver this programme of investment, leading a department of 90 colleagues across the full breadth of estates activities, including capital projects, estates planning and property and sustainability.

With a proven record of success in senior estates leadership, you will have proven experience in developing, financing and delivering large capital programmes and projects to agreed deadlines and budgets. Able to combine strategic vision with operational leadership, you will be comfortable operating and presenting at executive board in a complex stakeholder environment, combining proven commercial acumen with an affinity with the University’s values and mission. 

We will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm, Perrett Laver. For further details, including the job description, person specification and information on how to apply, please visit: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting references 7482

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Anna Murphy at anna.murphy@perrettlaver.com or please call +44 (0)20 3928 7388.

The University of Westminster is actively committed to the principles of equality and inclusion and is working hard to increase the diversity of its workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly women, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, and disabled people.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

Closing date: 23:59 on 1 September 2024

Interviews are likely to be held within w/c 28 October 20

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