Senior Project Manager (West Slope Redevelopment)

Candidate Information Brochure

Senior Project Manager (West Slope Redevelopment)

Contents

• Introduction from the Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services

• 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

Introduction from the Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services

Dear Candidate,

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 £200m education and research investment programme – 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. Reporting to the Head of Capital Projects, this role will be responsible for leading the strategic planning, development and management of the West Slope Redevelopment, which will double the amount of student housing on the West Slope of the campus and deliver a range of facilities, including; a new health and wellbeing centre, new café, and new library space.

We are seeking an individual that has demonstrable experience of leading complex capital development projects in a comparable context. Given the significant diversity of stakeholder relationships required to successfully deliver the project the role will suit an individual with excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and who is passionate about delivering world-class buildings. I hope you will join us in playing a part in shaping the future of a thriving university, with strong values that we believe make Sussex a very special place.

Robert Hutton,

Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services

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.

About the University of Sussex

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

Professionalism, by upholding freedom of academic enquiry,

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 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, by 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.

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 https://www.sussex. ac.uk/strategy/

and other types of financial support.

In pursuing our mission, we celebrate the values of:

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.

Developing the West Slope

Find out about our West Slope development – a mix of student housing and spaces for learning, socialising and student wellbeing services.

About 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 new residential, learning, wellbeing and commercial spaces. Inspired by Sussex’s original architect, Sir Basil Spence, the West Slope development will borrow colours and textures from the South Downs surrounding us and complement our existing campus architecture while being thoroughly modern in its design and function.

Residences We plan to add about 1,900 new beds as part of the West Slope development programme. The ac- commodation will be a mixture of single bedroom villas, apartments and townhouses. We will also build new two-bedroom family apartments and fully adaptable rooms with carers’ rooms. A place for learning A brand new Library Pavilion will provide much-needed study space. Library Pavilion will be distinc- tive and encourage the exploration of new ideas and innovative teaching. We are not afraid to dis- rupt the conventional view of an academic library and will use experimental approaches to provide learning spaces and digital content for our students. The Library Pavilion will be accessible to all and offer flexible working environments. Wellbeing In the creation of a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, we will be able to offer an integrated thera- peutic space, Primary Care Network services, and community services. The centre will break away from the traditional clinical feel to create a welcoming, accessible and safe environment. Social spaces New social and retail spaces will be created as part of the West Slope development. A new super- market and cafe will enhance our commercial offering to students, giving better access to every- one.

We will also build a brand new children’s playground next to new family accommodation, giving fami- lies a space to gather, play and enjoy their surroundings.

ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

We want everyone to have access to the same facilities and experiences when they are at Sussex.

Many of our buildings are historically challenging to access. The new West Slope development creates an opportunity to build with access as a priority. Step-free routes will have gentle gradients. Internal and external lifts and bridges will connect different spaces offering a more universal experience to our students and staff.

HOW IT WILL

One Planet Living has underpinned our design of the West Slope development. Our architecture will be sympathetic to its surrounding nature and we will endeavour to use sustainable materials in construction and integrate sustainable technologies to help reduce waste and reduce the impact of running our new facilities. We will preserve as many trees as possible and relocate or replace any felled trees and plant new trees to increase the overall number.

View a full-size artist’s map of the West Slope campus area.

“The whole precinct should have the ‘sense of a university’ and should, if possible, grow out of the soil of Sussex to become a natural part of this beautiful site.”

SIR BASIL SPENCE Architect of the original Sussex campus buildings, 1961

We will also use green roof technology to encourage biodiversity in our soft landscaping.

Water conservation and a waste management will also be thoughtfully engineered throughout.

Read more about how important sustainability is to the University.

The role of Senior Project Manager, West Slope Redevelopment Main Purpose of Job Reporting to the Head of Capital Projects, this role will be responsible for leading the strategic planning, development and delivery of the West Slope Redevelopment, which will double the amount of student housing on the West Slope of the campus and deliver a range of facilities, including; a new health and wellbeing centre, new café, and new library space. We are seeking an individual with a track record of leading complex capital development projects in a comparable context. Given the significant diversity of stakeholder relationships required to successfully deliver the project the role will suit an individual with excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and who is passionate about delivering world-class buildings.

The role

PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work with key stakeholders to develop an initial project plan, including scope, resource plans and costs to implement a 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 projects, through all aspects of the project life cycle, co-ordinating project members, managing multi-disciplinary 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.

• Ensure project is managed in line 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, breaking down barriers between teams to ensure successful delivery. • Manage multi-disciplinary 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 internal and external stakeholders ensuring delivery to project specification.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Identify and build effective working relationships with Internal and external stakeholders and networks, collaborating and influencing decisions on areas affecting projects, identify and manage project dependencies; work to identify priorities and jointly ensure that the most appropriate way is found for the priorities to be met. Engage with stakeholders to shape the project • • Work with stakeholders, providing complex, conflicting and technical information and ensuring technical information is understood and used to inform decisions • • Ensure stakeholder training is considered as part of the project plan and undertake all necessary stakeholder training.

• Coordinate project, service and business readiness activities via a transition plan.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

DELIVER AND LEAD THE PROJECT LIFECYCLE

• Manage all aspect of the project lifecycle including; scope, timelines, resources, budget, risks and issues, relationships, training and communication. Generally, this

will be for longer term or more complex projects requiring significant levels of stakeholder collaboration.

• Develop and implement a rigorous planning process and ensure it is delivered by appropriate parties including the design of the project and the appropriate approach to delivery. This will require the ability to undertake analysis with the ability to make complex decisions and obtain buy in of stakeholders. Responsible for ensuring

PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

• Undertake project procurement activity.

• Manage supplier contracts connected to the project delivery.

appropriate risk assessments, method statements and project management documentation, etc., is completed and subjected to the appropriate project governance methodology.

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.

INDICATIVE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

• Leading a team of Consultants and Contractors to programme, budget and quality expectations.

• Manage an annual budget of £10m +.

• 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 direction to enable the post holder to manage their own work and that of their team members, to achieve their agreed objectives. The role holder will play a key role as part of the Divisional leadership team in supporting the achievement 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 working 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 statutory and regulatory compliance obligations, including (but not limited to): UKVI, Health & Safety, the Prevent Duty, data protection, Competition and Markets Authority requirements and equal opportunities, as appropriate to the grade and role. Additionally, to promote good practice in relation to University policy, procedure and guidance in relation to those compliance matters in respect of students, staff and other relevant parties. Balance effectiveness and cost-efficiency in the management of the budgets you are accountable 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 teaching and research by managing our resources effectively and efficiently. To carry out any other duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• 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 large-scale Capital Construction projects with a value of £50m+. • Demonstrable Commercial experience of large-scale Capital Construction projects with a value of £50m+.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

• Strong leadership skills.

• A natural collaborator, working cross functionally and at all levels, internally and externally.

• Personality and capability to work on large scale projects with a diverse range of external partners either as the Lead or as part of a team. • Excellent technical expertise and understanding of building systems, legislation and service requirements across a diverse portfolio

ESSENTIAL ROLE-SPECIFIC CRITERIA

• Ability and experience to manage an ongoing University relationship with Balfour Beatty.

• Business administration including business planning, budget management, IT and business processes.

• Ability and experience to monitor the delivery and commercial performance of the West Slope Residences Contract by all parties including the performance by the University of its obligations. • Construction, Logistics and Technical experience of problem solving on major construction projects.

• Strong customer focussed approach.

• A positive and creative “can do” approach.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Prince2 certification or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience of Modern Methods of Construction.

• Membership of appropriate professional institute or equivalent professional experience.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Sound track record of initiating and managing large-scale Capital Construction projects with a value of £50m + within a complex organization. • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple project streams. Ability to prioritise, delegate and execute tasks in an environment with competing demands. • 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 level. • Analytical skills with the ability to assess complex data, generate effective solutions and make effective decisions.

• A degree level education.

• Formal qualification in a design/engineering/ construction/project management discipline.

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.

Working at Sussex

SUSSEX CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE STUDIES

CHI LDCARE

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.

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.

L IBRARY

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.

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.

SUSSEX LECTURES

RETAI L

All staff are welcome to attend professorial lectures by Sussex academics and other talks by visiting lecturers and speakers.

There is a supermarket and post office, the Students’ Union shop, a pharmacy and a bank on campus. In term time, there is also a weekly outdoor market.

ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS

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.

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.

Brighton and the local area

Brighton and the local area

THE UNIVERSITY’S LOCATION

BRIGHTON AND THE WIDER REGION

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.

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.

The appointment process and how to apply

The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG).

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 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 so provided will be handled in strictest confidence and will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes.

To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisor

Nick Coppard (nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk ) of MRG on 0203 962 9900.

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than four pages) and a covering letter (of not more than two pages). Applications should be sent to Nick Coppard.

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.

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