## Project Manager, Estates Directorate: Shape the Future of Art and Design Facilities at the Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art (RCA), a globally celebrated institution for art and design, presents a compelling opportunity for a skilled and experienced Project Manager to join its prestigious Estates Directorate. This role offers a unique platform to directly influence the physical environments that foster creativity, innovation, and academic excellence within a world-leading university. If you are a construction professional with a passion for delivering high-quality, impactful projects, this position is an exceptional step in your career trajectory.
The Opportunity: A Visionary Role in a Creative Hub
As a Project Manager within the Estate Development team, you will be instrumental in managing a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects across the RCA's three key campuses: Kensington, Battersea, and White City. This includes the sensitive refurbishment of historic buildings, the ambitious 3>2 Campus unification programme, and various new-build and adaptation projects integral to the RCA's forward-thinking masterplan, RCA|Together. You will work under the guidance of the Head of Project Management, overseeing projects from their initial concept through to successful completion, ensuring they meet stringent deadlines, budgetary constraints, and the highest quality standards.
Key Advantages for Your Career Path:
- Impactful Project Portfolio: Lead and deliver a range of projects, from intricate refurbishments of iconic buildings to significant campus unification initiatives. This breadth of experience will significantly enhance your professional profile.
- Client-Side Expertise: Gain invaluable experience operating within a client-side environment, allowing you to develop a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder needs and strategic facility development.
- Prestigious Institution: Contribute to the physical transformation of one of the world's leading art and design universities, aligning your work with a mission of fostering creativity and innovation.
- Collaborative and Creative Environment: Immerse yourself in a vibrant, multidisciplinary setting where collaboration is key, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and cross-pollination of ideas.
- Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement: Hone your leadership skills by managing external consultants, contractors, and a wide array of stakeholders, including academic departments, students, and professional services.
- Professional Development: The RCA is committed to the growth of its staff. This role offers opportunities for personal and professional development within a supportive and dynamic organization.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Proven Track Record: The role demands a candidate with demonstrated experience in managing construction projects across all phases, from concept to completion. A strong portfolio showcasing successful project delivery is essential.
- Technical Acumen: You will be expected to act as a technical expert in construction project management, requiring a solid understanding of procurement, contract management, statutory requirements, and building safety regulations.
- Stakeholder Management Skills: Success in this role hinges on your ability to effectively liaise with and influence a diverse group of stakeholders. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are paramount.
- Organisational Prowess: The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, develop robust plans, costings, risk registers, and programmes, while meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality, is crucial.
- Proactive and Solution-Focused: A proactive, solution-oriented mindset is vital for navigating the challenges inherent in complex construction projects, with the capacity to work independently and make informed decisions.
- Commitment to Values: Candidates are encouraged to embody the RCA's values of Integrity, Curiosity, Inclusion, and Collaboration, contributing to the College's unique culture.
This is more than just a project management role; it is an opportunity to be a key architect of the future of art and design education. If you are ready to lead, inspire, and deliver, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.