PROJECT MANAGER CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The University of Sussex is a remarkable institution. The distinctive ethos on which it was established more than 60 years ago is still very much at the heart of the University. Sussex is a leading research-intensive university, highly ranked in the UK and world league tables, and recognised internationally for its research, teaching and outreach. The first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961, the University now has over 18,125 students and more than 2,000 staff members. The University has a beautiful and diverse estate located in Falmer, to the east of Brighton. It is situated in the South Downs National Park and has amongst its buildings a core heritage estate designed by Sir Basil Spence. Over the past two decades, Sussex has doubled in size in terms of activity, with the University trying to accommodate this growth within its existing constrained campus. The University has therefore developed a £300 million masterplan – a programme of investment to modernise and improve the campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, academic and professional staff, and the local community. Investment in estate infrastructure is a key enabler in this. Given the scale of the investment we now require a Project Manager who will lead on brief development, design, procurement and project delivery on minor to mid-sized projects across the University Estate. This unique client-side project management role will give the post-holder great experience across a diverse range of projects. The role will give the University the capability to deliver best value for money and design quality, ranging from minor projects at circa £0.1m to £5m to significant projects in excess of £10m.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ABOUT SUSSEX THE SUSSEX CAMPUS THE ROLE PERSON SPECIFICATIONS WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX BRIGHTON AND THE LOCAL AREA THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS AND HOW TO APPLY CONTENTS
Our lecturers deliver programmes of study that inspire students to develop the skills that make their education count, and that give them the confidence to make their mark in their chosen field. Our staff conduct original research to explore the great questions of our age. Their findings impact policy and practice for businesses, NGOs and governments, ensuring that Sussex students are also at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. Creative thinking, pedagogic diversity, intellectual challenge and interdisciplinary have always been fundamental to a Sussex education. The University’s goal is to deliver teaching and learning programmes that are informed by current research, are attractive to students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and which deliver skills for life. The University is committed to widening access for students from lower-income families, and awards a high number of scholarships and other types of financial support.
sciences, sciences and medicine engagement, by actively seeking an external and international approach to all our activities. Challenge, in which all members of the Sussex community are prepared to explore creatively the status quo and alternatives, within the context of excellence and professionalism, and to seek to make positive change in society. Partnership, developing sustained relationships that bring together complementary skills and resources to create mutual benefit and to deliver impact that cannot be achieved by either partner alone. by Professionalism, by upholding freedom of academic enquiry, undertaking activities in a responsible manner using robust, transparent processes and maintaining professional standards in the conduct of all academic and support activities. Equality, diversity and inclusion, by making appointments and developing entry routes to the University based on educational merit, and valuing the strengths derived from contributions to our mission by people from different backgrounds, traditions, cultures and perspectives. Service, in which members of the Sussex community seek to use their skills and talents to contribute to local, national and international communities and organisations. Our Sussex 2025 vision reimagines the pioneering spirit of the original purpose of our University but does so for new times and a new generation. Discover our vision at
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
Since our foundation in 1961, Sussex has valued – and encourages – a pioneering spirit.
We’ve pushed for change, and demanded more, creating a better future for individuals and communities all over the world.
In pursuing our mission, we celebrate the values of:
Excellence, through a commitment to delivering the highest standards of research, scholarship, teaching and learning, in order to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for students and staff, and to maximise their social and economic contribution to societies. Interdisciplinary, through tackling multidimensional problems, while maintaining a strong, broadly based set of disciplines across the arts and humanities, social
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/ strategy/
THE SUSSEX CAMPUS
Sussex has one of the most beautiful campus locations in Britain.
The University has developed a programme of investment to modernise and improve our campus so that we can provide the best facilities for our students, researchers, and academic and professional staff, as well as the local community. At the heart of our programme of building and regeneration work is a sensitively thought-through plan to enhance the unique setting of our campus within the South Downs, whilst preserving the character of the distinct architecture.
Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just 9 minutes from Brighton & Hove, the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces. Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the buildings that make up the heart of the campus were given listed-building status in 1993. Falmer House is one of only two post-war educational buildings in the UK to be Grade I listed in recognition of its exceptional interest.
ABOUT OUR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME We are investing £300million to help deliver our vision of being a better University for a better world. Our University is already great, but we should always want to strive for better. Being better means we are competitive (in a competitive world), attractive to students, academics and other professionals, and a great place to work, research, learn and live.
Being better means we’re a modern University for modern times.
OUR VISON The University’s Capital Programme consists of more than 35 projects and programmes. Over the next few years, the programme will transform Sussex: from improvements and developments across our campus, new ways of working, and better IT; to a reimagined curriculum and enhancements to the student experience – we’re taking transformation seriously.
OUR STRATEGY Our Strategic Framework – and our vision of being a better University for a better world – is driving our activity to 2025. We’ve committed to a targeted and focused investment programme (the Capital Programme), which enables us to deliver our strategy by focusing on four key areas of development: • Estates • Education and students • IT Services • Research
Being better means doing more of what’s important. Investing in technology, ways of working, connectivity, systems and more that we can be better at delivering our strategic aims of inclusivity, sustainability and value for money. We’re going to become better by investing in key projects: • Creating a better campus • Delivering better education • Developing better ways of working • Supporting better research
OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
to campus (via the zebra crossing).
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING A multimillion-pound investment is set to transform our Science Quarter buildings. Improvements include: • Expansion and complete refit of our largest Bioscience teaching laboratory • Roof refurbishments across John Maynard Smith (JMS), Chichester I, Chichester II and Arundel • Internal building improvements to JMS. • Funding for our Life Sciences improvements has been sourced from a combination of Capital Programme funds and external awards. • Controlled condition improvements to our accelerator and laser laboratories. BRAMBER HOUSE Following a building inspection in 2022, some of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels used in the original construction of Bramber House, were found to be defective. Immediate action was taken to ensure the building was safe, and as such, scaffolding can be seen across the Bramber House’s stairwells and entrances. Work has commenced to replace these defective RAAC panels and while these structural refurbishments take place, we plan to improve the entrance ways to Bramber House to improve access.
Our aim is to: • Reduce the risk of flood damage to buildings and infrastructure • Improve movement around campus. Minor repairs and remedial works to the existing system started in spring 2023. The next stage of the project will be to plan long-term capacity improvements across campus and introduce sustainable urban drainage features. WEST SLOPE This development is the next step in our vision of being a better university for a better world and is the most ambitious programme we have undertaken in recent years. Nestled below the South Downs, the West Slope development will be transformative and create 1,900 new beds spaces, new much-needed study space, the creation of a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, and new social and retail spaces will be created, including a new supermarket and cafe will enhance our commercial offering to students, giving better access to everyone. We have also built a brand new children’s playground next to new family accommodation, giving families a space to gather, play and enjoy their surroundings.
INFRASTRUCTURE Upgrading our campus drainage
systems. Across campus, there is a network of ‘soakaways’, which help to drain away rain and surface water. However, as the large puddles around campus after heavy rain show, they are in need of improvement. We plan to identify the root cause of flooding around campus, with a particular focus on Refectory Road near the Co-op, the steps at Shawcross and the entrance
INDICATIVE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
THE ROLE
with institutions project management methodology • Coordinate project, service and business readiness activities • Work with the project team and project office support colleagues, to deliver the project objectives, coaching and guiding as needed, manage the team members in a matrix environment. This will include project induction, coaching, guidance and training to project team members to ensure the effective implementation of the project. • Work with stakeholders ensuring delivery to project specification 3. Stakeholder Engagement • Identify and manage project dependencies; work closely with business areas to identify priorities and jointly ensure that the most appropriate way is found for the priorities to be met. • Build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and networks, providing information and ensuring technical information is understood exercising judgement on timeliness, the most appropriate methodology and approach to be used, seeking feedback where necessary for inclusion in project development. • Ensure stakeholder training is considered as part of the project plan and undertake all necessary stakeholder training. 4. Procurement and contract management • Undertake project procurement planning activity. • Manage supplier contracts connected to the project programme delivery. This Job Description sets out current duties of the post that may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or level of responsibility entailed.
• Leading a team of Consultants and Con- tractors to programme, budget and quality expectations. • Manage an annual budget of £1m +. • Responsible for the delivery of designated Capital Projects on Campus to programme, budget and quality expectations. • Responsibility for ensuring sustainability is designed and built in to Capital Projects. The post holder will report to the Head of Capital Projects, working under broad direc- tion to enable the post holder to manage their own work and that of their team members, to achieve their agreed objectives. The role hold- er will play a key role as part of the Divisional leadership team in supporting the achieve- ment of the strategic and operational goals of the University, Professional Services & their Division. The post holder is expected to work collaboratively across the University and with key stakeholders to deliver single team work- ing that efficiently and effectively supports the achievement of those goals and objectives. Support achievement of the Division’s/Unit’s/ School’s compliance with all applicable stat- utory and regulatory compliance obligations, including (but not limited to): UKVI, Health & Safety, the Prevent Duty, data protection, Com- petition and Markets Authority requirements and equal opportunities, as appropriate to the grade and role. Additionally, to promote good practice in relation to University policy, proce- dure and guidance in relation to those compli- ance matters in respect of students, staff and other relevant parties. Balance effectiveness and cost-efficiency in the management of the budgets you are ac- countable for, demonstrating compliance with Value for Money and Return on Investment principles to support the University’s strategic aim to achieve a world-class standard of teach- ing and research by managing our resources effectively and efficiently.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop an initial project plan, including scope, resource plans and costs of an implementation project based on the outcomes from an initial feasibility project. Get the project plan through initial approval. • Provide the day-to-day leadership and management of project, through all aspects of the project life cycle, co- ordinating project members, managing team members in a matrix environment and liaising closely with the project sponsor. • Work with key stakeholders across the institution, manage the key communications for the project, liaising with project team members and internal and external stakeholders. • Undertake product selection and procurement activities to ensure the achievement of project objectives, product fit and best value. • Coordinate project, service and business readiness activities via a transition plan.
The Project Manager will lead on brief development, design, procurement and project delivery on minor to mid-sized projects or provide lead support on large, significant projects across the University Estate. This is a unique client-side project management role that will give the post-holder great experience across a diverse range of projects. The role will give the University the capability to deliver best value for money and design quality, ranging from minor projects at circa £1m to schemes up to £5m and above to significant projects in excess of £10m. Successful candidates will have gained recent experience in a project management role with responsibility for managing refurbishment, redevelopment and new build projects. We are seeking a customer focused individual who has strong interpersonal skills and the stakeholder skills required to lead internal stakeholder groups as well as a number of external delivery partners. If you are a Project Manager or Assistant Project Manager from an architecture, surveying, construction or engineering background this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career leading a range of projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Deliver and lead the project lifecycle • Within the scope of the project, manage all aspect of the project lifecycle including; scope, timelines, resources, budget, risks and issues, relationships, training and communication. • Develop and implement a rigorous planning and ensure it is delivered by appropriate parties, using guidance where available, adapting guidance where needed, undertaking research and analysis as necessary on each stage of the project cycle, making recommendations to stakeholders on proposals. Ensure appropriate risk assessments, method statements and project management documentation, etc., is completed and subjected to the appropriate project governance methodology.
Project Manager
Job Title:
G7
Grade:
Estates and Facilities Management.
School/Division:
Bramber House.
Location:
Head of Capital Projects Internal and external Project Resource. External Consultants and Contractors.
Responsible to: Direct reports:
Key contacts:
2. Project leadership and management • Ensure project managed in line
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA • Project Management qualification at diploma level or equivalent experience • Membership of appropriate professional institute or equivalent experience. • Sound track record of initiating and managing small to medium capital construction projects with a value of £0.5m + within a complex organisation. • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple project streams. Ability to prioritise, delegate and ensure tasks are completed. • Ability to build effective relationships with, and command the respect of, a wide range of stakeholders, including senior staff members, influencing as necessary and resolving conflict. • Demonstrably strong influencing, negotiating and communications skills with the ability to listen and respond to the needs of a wide range of stakeholders at all levels • Analytical skills with the ability to assess data, generate effective solutions and make effective decisions • Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as an ability to communicate technical and complex messages effectively with all levels of staff. • Demonstrable Project Management experience of small to medium scale Capital Construction projects with a value of £0.5m+. • Demonstrable Commercial experience of small to medium Capital Construction projects with a value of £0.5m+.
ESSENTIAL ROLE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA • Ability and experience to manage professional consultant and contractor teams. • Ability and experience to project manage the delivery and commercial performance of small to medium construction projects. • Health & Safety, construction, logistics and technical experience of problem solving on construction projects. • Experience of Modern Methods of Construction. • A natural collaborator, working cross functionally and at all levels, internally and externally. • Excellent technical expertise and understanding of building systems, legislation and service requirements across a diverse portfolio. • Business administration including business planning, budget management, IT and business processes. • Strong customer focussed approach. • A positive and creative “can do” approach. DESIRABLE CRITERIA • Prince 2 certification or equivalent experience. • HE Sector Capital Project experience.
WORKING AT SUSSEX
There are a range of staff benefits at Sussex, including generous annual leave entitlement and pension schemes, access to world- class resources, discounted gym and sports memberships, interest- free season ticket loan and staff activities throughout the year. CHILDCARE There is a nursery on campus for children aged three months to five years, operated by The Cooperative Childcare. It is open daily from7.30am–6.30pm. LIBRARY Library facilities are available to all members of staff. The Library is open around the clock during term time. The Library’s special collections, now housed at The Keep, include the papers of Rudyard Kipling, the New Statesman Archive, Virginia Woolf’s
Monks House Papers, many of Lord Richard Attenborough’s scripts and papers, and the Mass Observation Archive. RETAIL There is a supermarket and post office, the Students’ Union shop, an optician and a pharmacy on campus. In term time, there is also a weekly outdoor market. SPORT Sports facilities include sports halls, fitness rooms, a dance studio, squash courts and outdoor pitches. There is an extensive drop- in group exercise and courses programme including yoga, dance, Pilates, trapeze, circuit training and aerobics. Sussexsport holds an annual boundary walk and boundary run for staff and students around the Sussex campus. It also offers children’s
birthday and sports parties from age two upwards and a full programme of sports camps and activities in the school holidays for children aged five–16 years. SUSSEX CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE STUDIES The Sussex Centre for Language Studies provides a range of courses throughout the calendar year in English Language and Modern Languages that are open to staff as well as students. You can also use the Language Learning Centre to study over 50 world languages.
SUSSEX LECTURES All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers. ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS The Attenborough Centre is a state-of-the-art
performance and display space that reopened in 2016 after extensive
refurbishment. The Attenborough Centre has a growing programme of performances and events and is a Brighton Festival venue. TEACHING AND LEARNING The University of Sussex has more than 18,500 students, of whom 4,500 are postgraduates.
CATERING AND CONFERENCES Sussexfood offers extensive catering
facilities in Bramber House as well as cafés across campus. There are also conference and hospitality services. You can also use the Students’ Union bars and shop.
BRIGHTON AND THE LOCAL AREA
THE UNIVERSITY’S LOCATION The University campus is located at Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove, and is just 55 miles (90 km) from London. Frequent trains from central London take as little as 50 minutes to Brighton & Hove, with a quick nine-minute connection to Falmer to reach campus. London Gatwick airport is only 30 minutes from Brighton, and London Heathrow is just over an hour’s drive away. BRIGHTON AND THE WIDER REGION The city of Brighton & Hove has much to offer students, and also offers a quality of life for young families that is hard to match. As well as a fabulous variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, the city also has a range of good schools and a very relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. Brighton has a truly diverse cultural scene with a wealth of theatres, cinemas and galleries. From pre-West End premieres at the Theatre Royal to the variety of experimental fringe productions staged throughout the year, and with the famous Brighton Festival every May, there is plenty on offer. The historic market town of Lewes is also close to campus, and many members of staff choose to live there because of its wide choice of housing and excellent schools.
HOW TO APPLY
The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisors:
Nick Coppard nicholas.coppard@mrgglobal.com
Charley McCarthy charley.mccarthy@mrgglobal.com
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (no more than four pages) and a covering letter (no more than two pages). Applications should be sent to Nick Coppard and Charley McCarthy.
potential, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or non- membership, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this policy, it is necessary to collect information from all applicants on factors which relate to equal opportunity in employment and applicants are therefore asked to submit a completed version of the enclosed form alongside their CV and letter of application. The information provided will be handled in strictest confidence and will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT The appointment will be subject to: • Confirmation of the right to work within the UK • Higher level qualifications • Satisfactory health clearance and satisfactory references. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY The University values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The University aims to ensure that job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of abilities and
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator