Assistant Director- Capital projects

Overview

In this role you will lead a significant portfolio of capital works within the UCL Estate, focusing on teaching spaces, campus experience and public realm while balancing heritage considerations and complex interfaces with infrastructure. You will manage a team of project managers, collaborate with external partners, and drive value-based business cases to support institutional objectives. The role emphasizes delivering projects from inception through operation with strong governance, safety, and sustainability. This is a chance to shape an iconic campus experience for students and staff within a renowned research university.

Pay / Benefits

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• flexible working options
• CARE pension scheme
• cycle to work scheme
• relocation scheme for certain posts
• on-site nursery and gym

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of capital projects from inception to handover, achieving time, cost and quality targets
• Develop and mentor internal Project Managers to build a high-performing, customer-focused team
• Drive value for money through risk management, governance, audit controls and evidence-based decisions
• Develop Business Cases with stakeholders to align with institutional priorities
• Procure and manage consultants, design teams, contractors, and suppliers to UCL standards
• Oversee project reporting, governance compliance, and gateway reviews with relevant offices
• Coordinate with Faculties, Divisions, and external advisers to resolve complex project issues within budget
• Engage stakeholders to ensure excellent customer service for academic and institutional partners
• Promote consistent delivery standards and drive continuous improvement across the portfolio
• Champion operational readiness, soft landings, commissioning and handover to ensure safe, fully operational spaces

Key requirements

• Experience delivering medium to large capital projects (inclusion of new builds, refurbishments, and public realm)
• Leadership of project management teams and stakeholder engagement at institutional level
• Strong procurement, contract management, and risk management capabilities
• Ability to develop and approve Business Cases and manage budgets, cashflows and variations
• Collaborative working with Campus Experience and Infrastructure and external partners
• Commitment to health & safety, accessibility and sustainability in project delivery
• Excellent communication and governance skills
• Experience with KPI-driven supplier performance and governance frameworks

• leadership
• stakeholder management
• customer-focused
• project management
• procurement
• contract management

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