PROJECT LEAD CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
INTRODUCTION The University of Reading is seeking to ap- point a Project Lead who will play a key role in delivering the capital project 5 year Estates Strategy Programme. One of our key ambi- tions is to continuously invest in providing first-class facilities for our students. By our centenary year, 2026, we want to significantly build on the successes we have already ac- complished so far. Reporting to the Projects Director, the Project Lead will be responsible for managing a portfolio of projects, including the supervision of consultant project managers and design teams. We are seeking an indi- vidual who would relish the opportunity to deliver a full range of capital, maintenance and departmental funded projects across the University’s estate portfolio. Projects include refurbishment and maintenance schemes for a diverse range of properties including research facilities, teaching facilities, listed buildings, social and recreational space, com- mercial space, and public realm areas, ranging from less than £500k to up to circa £5m in value. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a client-side project lead role, with full respon- sibility for managing projects from inception to completion, for a leading University locat- ed in a picturesque campus setting, as part of a friendly, supportive and professional team. You can learn more about our Estates Capital Strategy Programme and current projects here.
The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher educa- tion for nearly a century. Over the decades we have become innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change. Home to more than 23,000 students from over 160 countries, the Uni- versity of Reading is proud to welcome staff and students from all of the world. Our award-winning campuses – in Reading, Henley upon-Thames, Johannesberg, and Iskandar – house contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafes and bars. We strive to create a stronger, better University, building on our past to create an exceptional future. Our four guiding principles form the foundation of our Strategic Plan 2020-2026: • a genuine love of learning • creating new knowledge • embracing and celebrating diversity of people and ideas • caring for our environment You can learn more about our history, performance, strategy and eco- nomic, social and community impact here. ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF READING
Ranked 27th among UK universities
Awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework 84% overall student satisfac- tion remains high, matching the sector average We are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer 25,120 students from around 160 countries
98% of our research is interna- tionally recognised and 78% is internationally excellent More than 51% reduction in carbon emissions from 2008/09 baselines
Post title: Grade: 7 School/ Department: Projects Department, Estates Reports to: Project Director Responsible for: No direct reports THE ROLE Summary Project Lead
strategy, using the defined project manage - ment arrangements / partnering framework agreements within the University’s integrated management system. • Lead project teams to identify opportunities that will reduce the University’s energy con- sumption and its commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030 • Lead project teams in their duty to prevent environmental and ecological impacts on projects. • Undertaking end of stage and lessons learned workshops / post occupancy evaluations with the project team, stakeholders and users. • Comply with the University Governance and project delivery procedures as defined in the Estates Capital Projects Manual, contribute to its development through regular review. • Manage project sponsor / end user and stake- holder expectations for project delivery and deal with project related queries from stu- dents, academic staff and other members of the University delivery team. • To work with stakeholders ensuring that the project deliverables are compliant with the ap- propriate EIR’s / AIR’s and that all consultants have obtained stakeholder’s approval to issue the final tender documentation in a timely manner. Ensure that any VE or alternative supply proposals are agreed with stakeholders and approved. • Conduct all procurement activities in a man- ner which complies with the University’s policies, financial regulations and audit pro - cedures, and ensure best value-for-money,
working with the Universities Procurement team. • Listen to and respond accordingly to cus- tomer feedback in a timely manner, issuing regular project updates keeping stakeholders informed. • Manage the handover of projects, including the delivery of as-built records upon comple- tion of projects in accordance with the Uni- versity of Reading AIR’s and Handover Proce- dures. • Review project performance ensuring critical path deliverables and milestones are met, early identification of variances and provide corrective action via an effective agreed change control process, ensuring resources are appropriate and risk registers, Project Exe- cution Plans are updated to track any changes; • To prepare project reports and forecasting as required and present to University senior management. • Ensure the project team proactively identifies hazards and proactively eliminates or reduces risks as appropriate. Where this is not practi- cal, provide options for consideration and im- plement management controls to drive timely decision making. • To ensure all projects comply with, and are constructed to University policies & proce- dures, standards and specifications, ensuring that all appropriate approvals, including stat- utory standards and approvals are identified and obtained at appropriate timescales to meet the agreed delivery programme.
• Prepare invitations to tender for consultants and contractors and assess tender returns and recommend appointments. • Seek approval of “in Principal limits “and sub - sequent budget uplifts throughout the project stages to reflect the Gateway approvals. Raise orders & progress interim payments for ap- pointment of professional services, surveys, and contractor services as applicable and oversee final accounts. • Taking due account of the requirements of the CDM Regulations and in doing so, discharge the duty of Clients Representative directly or ensure others are appointed to do so. • Develop the project scope to meet the Uni- versity’s and Sponsors’ requirements and establish the project budget and programme, managing and controlling them throughout the course of the project through RIBA stages 1 – 7. • Assembling, leading and directly managing the project team, comprised of our framework partners and others to deliver projects of var- ying size and complexity. • Delivery of the project and all associated documentation to the project sponsor / end user to meet safety, quality, schedule and cost objectives by implementing the project
The role of Project Lead is a client side internal Project Manager to deliver a full range of capital and maintenance projects to specification, cost and time within a safety conscious and mul- ti-stakeholder environment. Projects can include new build, refurbishment, maintenance and ser- vice infrastructure. The role holder will be engaged in the delivery of professional and administrative support services to the University, developing and implementing policies and processes, providing professional or specialist advice, project management and sup- port. Main Duties and Responsibilities • Comply with the conditions of employment, protocols and practices of the Projects de- partment, and follow a professional code of conduct. • Undertake the duties and deliverables spec- ified in the “Duties of the University Project Leader” and the “Duties of the project Manag - er “ framework agreements. • Undertake any other duties which may be reasonably be requested commensurate with the grade.
Terms and conditions • Travel to sites at London Road Campus and Greenlands in Henley required from time to time. The post holder must be willing and able to travel between campuses when required. • This is a full-time post, subject to the normal requirement for managerial grades. The post holder will be expected to work an average of 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, but some flexibility may be needed during peak periods. • Initially, the post-holder will be expected to be on site for a large proportion of the work- ing week to familiarise themselves with the University Campuses, the stakeholders, use of the capital projects Manual, raising orders and other key contacts. Once the initial period of familiarisation is complete then a degree of remote working may be possible, depend- ing upon business need at any one time. It is expected that the post holder will work more on site than remotely in any given week and is unlikely to be suitable for part time working.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Skills Required Essential: • Proven Project Manager delivering a wide range of construction related projects from feasibility through to hand-over. • High level of skill controlling key project ele- ments – cost, programme and scope. • Able to communicate clearly (written and Oral) with an unambiguous exchange of in- formation to University Board level. • Ability to interface successfully with senior management. • Sound IT and business systems literacy skills. • A positive and proactive approach to man- aging Health & Safety and for promoting its importance on all Projects. • Ability to manage project risks and devise appropriate mitigations. • Motivating a multidisciplinary team, and in- fluencing the project team to achieve desired behaviour and action. • Managing effectively multiple stakeholder communications and requirements. Desirable: • Experience of Soft Landings • Experience of BIM • Experience of PD role Attainment Essential: • Membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, MCIOB, RIBA, M.I.Mech.E, MICE, MIStructE, MCIBSE or IET • Degree qualified. Desirable: • Member of the Associations for Project Man- agement (APM) • NEBOSH Certificate In Construction Safety & Health. • PRINCE2 –Practitioner level or similar project management qualification Knowledge Essential: • Project Management of multi-disciplinary teams in a multi-stakeholder environment. • Excellent technical background in a related discipline.
• Procurement processes. • Cost control, scheduling, change control, reporting, value engineering, risk manage- ment. Desirable: • Understanding of JCT contracts • Understanding of BIM and Soft Landings. • Awareness of current statutory require- ments. Relevant Experience Essential: • Project management experience within a large facilities environment or construction related background. • Managing a portfolio of projects at any one time. • Experience of managing projects individually valued up to 5 million pounds. Desirable: • Relevant experience in a higher education environment. • Use of an HE project delivery methodology with gateways. • Knowledge/experience of partnering con- tracts. • Design, Construction, Building or Engineer - ing background. Disposition • Extremely well organised and structured in approach to all work activities. • Proactive and self-motivated and able and willing to take responsibility and to take the lead. • Articulate, reliable and punctual. • A strong commitment to a high standard of customer focused service and improvement of the student experience. • A good team player who takes a positive role within the team. • Flexible with drive and responds successfully to changing demands and conditions. Other • Able to access construction sites including all aspects of construction and all University facilities.
FURTHER INFORMATION & HOW TO APPLY The post offers a salary of up to £54,421 which will ensure that the University is able to attract industry leading professionals. In addition to a basic salary the University offers a generous benefits package including: • USS pension scheme with 21.6% contribution from the University • 26 days annual leave per year (including closure days at Christmas and Easter) + bank holidays • Interest free season ticket loans and a range of other optional salary exchange tax benefits You can learn more about our employee benefits here. Application Process For a confidential conversation please contact our advisors Charley McCarthy (charley.mccarthy@mrgpeople.co.uk) or Nick Coppard (nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk) of The Management Recruitment Group on T: 020 3962 9900. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and a covering letter (of not more than 2 pages). Applications should be sent to: charley.mccarthy@mrgpeople.co.uk and nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 14th May 2023 Interviews will be held W/C 5th June 2023
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