Head of Projects

HEAD OF PROJECTS CANDIDATE BRIEFING PACK JULY 2018

Welcome to The University of Kent Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Projects at the University of Kent. This post is a key appointment within Estates Department and the successful candidate will play a significant role in leading our capital development programme. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Estates you will be responsible for the timely and cost-effective management and delivery of capital projects, high value revenue works, refurbishments and improvements to the University’s estate. You will ensure all projects works deliver a physical environment that is safe, attractive and fit for purpose. This is a challenging and exciting opportunity to join a forward looking Department which is committed to delivering an outstanding student experience and which puts our customers at the heart of everything we do. If you feel you are up to the challenge then we would welcome an application from you. Yours sincerely, John Morley Assistant Director of Estates (Capital Projects).

About The University of Kent Established in 1965, the University of Kent – the UK’s European university – now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

A consistent strong performer in the league tables, it was also awarded in 2017 a gold rating,

It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality. In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities. Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (www.kent.ac.uk/about/partner- ships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth £0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes £293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals. Kent has received two Queen’s Anniversary prizes for Higher and Further Education. Website: www.kent.ac.uk

the highest, in the UK Government’s Teaching

Excellence Framework (TEF). In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world’s leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its ‘Table of Tables’ 2016. Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014).

About The City of Canterbury

The University’s main campus is in Canterbury. This world-famous cathedral city was one of medieval Europe’s great places of pilgrimage and knowledge. Today – with its international visitors and two universities – it still has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Less than an hour from London, it takes little more than that to visit France.

People come here from across the globe for world-class heritage, for culture and festivals, to visit and to study, to shop and visit some of the best restaurants in the region. The extraordinary Cathedral dominates the medieval streets within the city walls. Among the listed buildings, a boldly modern theatre – named after the city’s famous son Christopher Marlowe – has been built on the river bank, and an art museum has been restored and doubled in size. To the south of the city is St Augustine’s Abbey, part of the World Heritage Site, and England’s first seat of learning. Canterbury’s student population contributes to the city’s buzz and the Experian Inner City Vibrancy Report (2013) ranked Canterbury as the 3rd most vibrant city in England and Wales. However, it’s still easy to find areas of peace and quiet within the City walls. Kent is known as being the Garden of England and you will find local produce in cafes, pubs and restaurants: Romney Marsh lamb, cherries, ale from local hops and awardwinning wine from Kentish vineyards. To the woodlands, the Blean and a few miles away there is the seaside town of Whitstable, renowned for its oysters. north of the city is one of England’s largest ancient

Canterbury and its immediate area have an increasingly rich cultural offer. Turner Contemporary, the nationally-acclaimed art gallery, is within easy reach and the Canterbury Festival, the Whitstable Biennale and the Folkestone Triennial are just some of the regular events taking place in the region.

The Estates Department

OUR STRATEGIC VISION, CORE FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES The Estates Department has circa 300 staff, an annual revenue budget of £26.8 million and is one of the largest Professional Services Departments in the University. Our Strategic Vision is: To provide, maintain and enhance the facilities, services, built environment and grounds of the University in a professional and effective manner which supports the University’s strategic plan and delivers an environment which benefits students, staff and visitors. The Department’s Core Values are: • Customer Focussed – we will put our customers first and deliver the best empathetic service we can with the resources we have available. • Honest – we will be honest with our staff and customers. • Ownership – we will take responsibility for our actions and behaviour and will not evade responsibility or pass it to someone else. • Inclusive – we will not exclude individuals from using our services or tolerate any discrimination in the workplace. • Competent – we will be professional, skilful, assured and polite in all our interactions. • Empowered – we feel empowered and have the confidence to solve problems, make decisions and take responsibility for our work. Our core functions are: The Estates Department provide a number of essential services to the University at both the Canterbury • management, development and maintenance of the estate • delivery of capital building projects and major refurbishments • space planning and management • acquisition and disposal of buildings and land • asset management • grounds maintenance • procurement of utilities and energy management • environmental and sustainability management and legal compliance as part of the stewardship of the estate • cleaning, waste management and recycling services • campus security • interior services and internal/external signage • travel, parking and transport management • telecom services • postal services • print and design services • an Estates Customer Service Centre. Our key objectives are: • the development and implementation of the Master Plan for the University’s Estate • to support the University’s Institutional Plan in providing suitable facilities for the delivery of teaching, research and staff and student engagement and Medway Campuses. These services include:

• to promote environmental sustainability in all aspects of the delivery of the Estates function • to procure and deliver value for money capital projects, assets services and facilities which enhance the University’s brand and the student experience • to effectively manage risk and ensure compliance with all legislative requirements • to ensure the Estates Department is the provider of choice for internal customers across the University • to explore innovative opportunities to enhance Estates services and where possible promote revenue generation • to promote and provide relevant staff development opportunities to achieve the objectives of the Estates Department • to enhance the student experience and provide stakeholder focussed services • to optimise the utilisation of teaching, research, social and office space across the estate • to work in collaboration with Schools, Professional Services Departments, the Students’ Union and other internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.

The Capital Projects Team

The Project Team at Kent are responsible for construction contracts on both the Canterbury and Medway Campuses. Programmes of work include new builds, space rationalisation, perception upgrades and teaching room refurbishments. Recently there has been up to £100m of construction projects on site representing a £130m investment by the University. One of the Project team’s recent projects, the Sibson Building, has been recognised as one of the nation’s best new buildings by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The building, at the Canterbury campus, was designed by architect Penoyre and Prasad and officially opened in May 2017. RIBA noted ‘It was evident that the relationship between the design team and contractor was good, with shared aspirations helped by good communication of design intent. Likewise, there seemed to be a strong sense of trust and respect between client and architect and when we met them the architect’s passion and enthusiasm was infectious.’ Web site: www.kent.ac.uk/estates/

The Role

Job Purpose To lead the team responsible for the timely and cost-effective management and delivery of capital projects, high value revenue works, refurbishments and improvements to the University’s estates. To ensure all projects works deliver a physical environment that is safe, attractive and fit for purpose.

Salary: Grade 9: £49,149 - £56,950 per annum Department: Estates Location: University of Kent, Canterbury Campus Responsible to: Assistant Director of Estates – Capital Projects Job family: Administration, Professional & Managerial

Key accountabilities This section details the main accountabilities (or responsibilities) of the job, together with a selection of indicative duties. Other duties, commensurate with the grading of the post, may also be assigned from time to time. 1. Lead and manage the Estates Project Management team to ensure a high performing team and optimum delivery of project work. Example duties: 1.1 Engender a culture of continuous improvement through excellent people management of the Projects team including performance management, appraisal (RPDs) and development in line with best practice and University procedures. 1.2 Ensure all staff have a Personal Development Plan and talented staff are recognised, rewarded and retained and ensure that suitable succession plans are in place. 1.3 Embed the Estates Department’s core values: Customer Focused, Honest, Ownership, Inclusive, Competent, Empowered, into all activities delivered by the Projects team. 1.4 Promote and represent the Estates Department to stakeholders, internal and external in pursuit of the objectives of the Estates Department, undertaking presentations and chairing meetings as necessary. 2. Ensure compliance with professional project management procedures, reporting and handover arrangements on all projects to facilitate the successful delivery of projects. Example duties: 2.1 Develop maintain and audit project management policies and control procedures for use by the pro- ject team, ensuring projects are tracked at all stages and monitored against agreed deliverables. 2.2 Ensure the Department’s preferred project management software is fully and consistently used by all members of the project team. 2.3 Ensure the Maintenance and FM teams are involved and have input into all stages of capital and rev- enue projects as appropriate. 2.4 Co-ordinate the provision of key compliance documentation, ensuring a final handover of all projects on completion to Maintenance and FM colleagues to provide a smooth transition.

3. Take responsibility for the commissioning, management and quality control of major building projects and construction work across all University sites to ensure completion to specification, on time and within budget. Example duties: 3.1 Oversee the management and delivery of projects, through feasibility, planning, procurement, tender, award, delivery and client occupation, taking appropriate legal advice. 3.2 Develop business cases, appoint and manage design teams, prepare project programmes, cost estimates, tender documents and undertake post occupancy evaluations. 3.3 Be responsible for the timely delivery and reporting of critical project information to ensure that the projects are delivered to cost, programme and stakeholder requirement. 3.4 In liaison with Maintenance and FM teams ensure specifications and design guides for new construction and alterations/refurbishment are adhered to. 4. Prepare and monitor annual programmes of capital and high value revenue works, including the summer works programme, to ensure coordination and economic utilisation of all resources. Example duties: 4.1 Allocate and monitor staff workloads in order to ensure an equitable distribution of staff loadings and the most effective use of staff resources. 4.2 Ensure the provision of accurate cost estimation advice on all capital and revenue works and ensure agreed budgets are adhered to. 4.3 Establish, manage and review construction related frameworks and consultancy frameworks. 4.4 Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with the business case, to time and to budget, providing regular management reports and financial forecasts.

5. Ensure that all statutory regulations and procedures in respect of current legislation and university procedures are followed in the delivery of projects in order to maintain compliance and minimise risk. Example duties: 5.1 Manage external relationships with local authorities, statutory undertakers and external consultants to ensure the success of Town and Country Planning applications. 5.2 Show leadership, commitment, management and maintenance of high standards of safety in all projects commensurate with current Health and Safety legislation and University policy 5.3 Ensure the effective risk management of all aspects of the estates investment programme and identity and escalate project risks and slippage. 5.4 Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and the University’s Environmental Sustainability Policy. 6. Implement and manage processes and procedures within the Project Team to ensure compliance with Procurement and Financial regulations and arrangements in the delivery of projects. Example duties: 6.1 Lead on the preparation, management and monitoring of budgets for capital and revenue works, producing regular reports for the Estates Directorate and Central Finance. 6.2 Ensure team members manage and report on their budgets in a timely and appropriate format and comply with the University’s financial regulations. 6.3 Ensure that all works and purchases associated with projects are made in accordance with the University’s procurement regulations. 6.4 Ensure all projects are managed in accordance within the agreed budget and effective change control procedures are in place and adhered to.

7. Demonstrate active stakeholder management in order to ensure customer satisfaction in the delivery of capital and high value revenue works. Example duties: 7.1 Develop and nurture effective relationships with all key University and external stakeholders, consultants and contractors 7.2 Ensure effective stakeholder consultation at the inception of and throughout all projects to completion and provide expert advice to a variety of stakeholders to facilitate the development of project briefs. 7.3 Ensure the impact of projects on staff, students, visitors and other users of the estate is closely monitored and Estates Project Managers liaise with and brief relevant stakeholders to minimise the impact of building works 7.4 Ensure customer expectations are met in terms of timescales, cost targets, quality standards and value for money and works are coordinated in a manner that meets business need whilst maintaining the student experience. Internal & external relationships This section indicates with whom the job holder comes into contact and liaises/ communicates with on a regular basis, and for what purpose. Internal: Deans of Faculties, Heads of Schools and Departments, Academic and Professional Services Departments, Kent Union, Finance Department, other Estates Department sections. External: Contractors and professional design and management construction consultants, other stakeholders, statutory authorities. Health, safety & wellbeing considerations This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety & wellbeing considerations:

• Regular use of Screen Display Equipment • Potential exposure to asbestos or other dusts • Working in confined spaces • Working at heights • Vocational driving on & off campus (includes use of cars, vans)

Person Specification

The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to carry out the job. Applications will be measured against the criteria published below. Selection panels will be looking for clear evidence and examples in an application, or cover letter (where applicable), which back-up any assertions made in relation to each criterion.

Qualification / Training

Essential Desirable Assess Via*

Educated to first degree level in a relevant construction related subject Professional accreditation in a construction related field, eg RICS, CIOB or RIBA A project management qualification or certification from a recognised provider such as APM, PMI or Axelos Experience / Knowledge Demonstrable experience of managing a team of professional staff to deliver projects diverse in scale and complexity Proven management and leadership skills including the ability to evaluate and develop individual and team performance Varied experience of successfully managing the full project lifecycle and contract monitoring within the construction field Experience of setting, managing and controlling project budgets from minor works to large capital projects Experience of successfully managing project risk, including Health and Safety issues, key deliverables and financials High level stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills Experience of producing and implementing project procedures Confident user and adopter of IT tools, including project management software and Microsoft Office Personal experience of developing service delivery policies and procedures, operational plans and improving customer satisfaction Additional Attributes Evidence of a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity A desire to work collaboratively with colleagues, share best practice and promote continuous improvement Ability to assimilate, evaluate and respond decisively and effectively to complex data and issues Excellent communication and presentation skills

Y Y

A A

Y

A

Y

A, I

Y

A, I

Y

A, I

Y

A, I

Y

A, I

Y

A, I

Y Y Y

A, I A, I A, I

Y

A, I

Y Y

A, I A, I

Y

A, I

Ability to generate and maintain customer confidence

Y Y

A, I A, I

An awareness of the challenges presented by carrying out construction activity on a large site with multiple and diverse stakeholders

*Criterion to be assessed via: A = application form or CV/cover letter I = interview questions T = test or presentation at interview

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion to learn more about the role and opportunity please contact the University’s appointed recruitment partner Nicholas Coppard of The Management Recruitment Group.

Nicholas Coppard T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07896 079 495 E: nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and supporting cover letter (of not more than 2 pages) outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post. Applications should be sent to

nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday 27th August 2018.

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