Job Description

The post will have a focus on the development of project schedules for all projects across the portfolio, programme schedules and portfolio schedules. The individual will support establishing these and monitor adherence with project milestones and deliverables to ensure compliance with University Governance processes and systems for all projects. The role will also entail project management responsibilities and the individual will be responsible for delivery of their own projects.

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, direction and experience to develop and monitor project schedules across the portfolio of projects. Support the project team with professional planning, resource scheduling, monitoring, financial management, change management, reporting and co-ordination of internal and external partners.

• Provide professional project management services to deliver capital projects from inception to completion in line with the Project Delivery Handbook and all University governance requirements.

• Support the project development manager and senior staff within the Estates Directorate as the project progresses through Gateway reviews and any University audits or peer group reviews. Develop and contribute to the preparation of construction programmes, resource schedules, new project request forms, project initiation form and grant applications as required.

• Working with, and providing guidance to, the Development and Project Managers to ensure that at key stages in the design and delivery process, all necessary University approvals are secured including the approval of the construction programme, technical brief, business case and peer group reviews. Also, contribute to the planning for and securing of all necessary statutory approvals before start on site.

• Manage effective liaison, engagement and communications with all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, including coordinating meetings, briefings and consultation events.

• Responsible for contractors, consultants and internal stakeholders carrying out Health and Safety assessments and putting in place appropriate safeguards to ensure safe working practices.

• Provide support to the design and development of the project so it incorporates all University strategies relating to future maintenance and sustainability policies.

• Support the management of successful project delivery (on projects £100k-£100m) through effective monitoring of performance and programme milestones highlighting any problems at an early stage and contributing to the identification of solutions.

• Stand in for the Senior/Project Manager (on projects £100k-£100m) in their absence and to make effective professional assessments, judgments or decisions in a safe and timely manner to progress the project to minimize delays or downtime which may impact on the overall project programme and budget.

• Lead and convene meetings/ integrate discussions with technical advisors, architects, structural engineers and main contractors, along with internal stakeholders to create possible and vital solutions to issues that arise during the contract.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience of working with construction contractors in a live environment. Experience of working in complex environments involving multiple stakeholders. Experience of effectively engaging and working with Project teams. Experience of developing, managing and analyzing construction schedules and activities. Significant Construction site experience relevant to supporting and managing contractors and project managers. Experience of working with public sector procurement rules. Degree qualification in a construction, project management or related discipline or equivalent experience. Evidence of continuing professional development including knowledge in BIM and soft landings. Knowledge of construction contracts and contract management. In-depth Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations. Knowledge of Asbestos awareness due to the age of the existing building stock. A detailed working Knowledge of Asta Powerproject, Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project with an ability to interpret and interrogate programmes. Experience of controlling and managing budgets. RICS/CIOB Qualified or working towards Professional Chartership. A knowledge and understanding of HE sectors. An ability to deliver a project within a structured framework. Ability to analyze and formalize action plans. Excellent negotiating, facilitating and relationship building skills including ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders. An ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Skills at understanding and managing political sensitivity and environmentally awareness. Ability to liaise and co-operate with people. Ability to work within an environment of accountability for results and actions. Ability to exchange complex technical information and programmes with a cross section of external stakeholders including planners, building control, contractors and design team. Highly developed writing and verbal communication skills. Proven financial management skills. An ability to identify construction fabric defects and to recommend actions to rectify. IT literate with databases and NEC Management software).