Head of Built Environment

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead our Built Environment Project team at the University and oversee the delivery of a variety of construction and refurbishment projects across our diverse estate. This is a high-profile position leading, directing and managing the capital project management team charged with the intelligent client-side management of the University’s (academic and residential) built environment. This includes programmes of construction, remodelling, refurbishment, and development of the university space to described standards and specification. The role will also oversee built environment capital finance and project Health and Safety.

 

Role & Responsibilities:

The post holder will be a key member of the Leadership and Management Teams within Estates and Facilities Management leading and contributing to the overall strategic, planning, and operational position required to ensure that the team delivers a professional built environment project management service to provide the physical environment and services for the benefit of the University community and is commensurate with the University’s corporate objectives and its mission.

 

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Strategically plan, organise, and manage the built environment capital works programme and its related resources and services to ensure project delivery meets good practice, in line with the requirements of the University and in accordance with University Estates Strategy. Key will be the development of standardised specifications and project process.

2. Delivery of highly customer focussed Estate’s project management and custodial services throughout the University, ensuring a high-quality level of client support. Encouraging customer ownership of projects through the provision of quality information and use of open systems.

3. Ensure the team procure and efficiently manage all projects and services related to the development and implementation of projects on the University estate, at all times seeking best value and a high degree of interface with internal engineering expertise in the Maintenance Services, Planning, Systems, Utility & Sustainability and Space Planning teams.

4. Responsible for ensuring that all building work undertaken by the University is fully compliant with all relevant legislation, regulations, and standards. This includes, but is not limited to, adherence to building codes, health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry best practices. The role requires continuous monitoring and updating of compliance protocols to reflect any changes in legislation or standards, ensuring that all projects meet the highest levels of legal and regulatory compliance.

4. Evaluating project delivery to ensure that it provided best value to the University. Putting in place robust monitoring to ensure timely completion of projects within budget. Providing high level and detailed reports on the financial position of capital expenditure and project retention.

5. Management of the Project Team’s Health & Safety Assurance function including the legal requirements for CDMC to promote, support, monitor and report on best practice in health, safety management across all areas of project activity within Estates and Facilities Management.

6. Drive excellent working relationships with other EF colleagues to ensure a cohesive, and partnership approach that achieves the best outcomes for the EF department and University as a whole.

 

About you

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate proven experience of leading a construction project team in the HE sectorProven project delivery experience of major capital construction projects within a diverse and complex operating environmentWorking knowledge of the JCT 2024 Suite of ContractsExperience in procuring and managing external consultants to achieve project objectivesThe desire and motivation to be successful and to contribute towards the continual improvement of our project delivery model

 

What’s in it for you?

This is a real opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of our students and academic communities, not only in relation to improving the facilities of a world leading academic institution but also in supporting our ambitious climate and wider sustainability ambitions.

As you would expect of a 1960’s campus, our buildings reflect a wide spectrum of construction types that, in turn, support a range of science, engineering, health and arts provision that contributes to both regional and national communities and economies.

Surrey is an amazing place to work, but we would say that wouldn’t we? and we are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place from which to work and thrive within a beautiful, leafy environment that encompass carefully curated gardens, vibrant green playing fields, and a picturesque lake. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the University is very much a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research in an inspiring, innovative, and diverse environment.

 

Alongside our gorgeous campus setting, collegiate on-site atmosphere, and plentiful development opportunities, we also offer:

 

25 Days Annual Leave + 7 University Closure Days – around Christmas and Easter + Bank HolidaysHighly competitive Pension SchemeOngoing Training & Development opportunitiesFlexible, hybrid workingOn-site discounted Nursery/ChildcareElectric Vehicle Leasing schemeDiscounted Surrey Sports Park Membership

 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter on the University website summarising your suitable skills for the role.

Further details:

Marco Holness, Director of Estates and Facilities

[email protected]

 

Interviews will be held on Friday 30th January 2026.

Closing Date: 18 Jan 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: Competitive Salary