About us

UCL is London's Global University and home to one of the most complex and diverse estates in the UK higher education sector. The UCL Estate spans more than 240 buildings, over 6.5 million square feet of academic space, and approximately 4,500 owned student bedrooms across our Bloomsbury and UCL East (Stratford) campuses. Campus Experience and Infrastructure and Estates Development (CE&I and ED) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the entire estate. Our multidisciplinary team of around 350 facilities, property and project professionals supports the experience of 46,000 students and 13,000 staff by delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality environments for world-leading teaching, research and student life.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to act as an internal University Project Officer (UPO), leading the delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital and building projects. Reporting through the Portfolio Services Office (PSO), you will work closely with Project Sponsors and Project Boards to ensure projects are delivered safely, compliantly and in line with agreed time, cost and quality parameters.

You will manage projects typically ranging from £500k to £20m+, with some programmes exceeding £100m, spanning new build, refurbishment, adaptation, cladding remediation, small works and strategic maintenance. This is a highly visible role that requires strong governance oversight, excellent stakeholder engagement and sound technical expertise across the full project lifecycle.

The role involves providing end-to-end project management in line with UCL's governance and stage-gate processes, including the procurement and management of external consultants, contractors and suppliers. You will ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, including the Building Safety Act and CDM Regulations, and will liaise with the Building Safety Regulator while maintaining robust building safety documentation.

You will be responsible for managing programme, cost, risk and change control, carrying out regular site inspections, overseeing handovers and leading post-project evaluations. A strong focus on value for money, sustainability and continuous improvement is essential. In addition, you will line manage and develop Assistant Project Managers, contributing to a collaborative, high-performing and people-focused team environment.

Please note, this role is primarily based onsite at our Bidborough House office/Bloomsbury Campus with a minimum of 4-days per week.

About you

You will bring a strong background and proven track record in managing construction projects within large, complex and occupied estates, involving a wide range of building types and stakeholders. You will have a sound technical understanding of UK building construction, with experience of refurbishments and working within occupied buildings being particularly valuable. Experience of delivering major projects from inception to completion, typically in excess of £5-10 million, will enable you to operate confidently within a robust governance environment.

You will demonstrate a practical working knowledge of relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks, including Planning legislation, Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. You will also be comfortable briefing, procuring and managing construction projects, supported by a good understanding of standard forms of building contract and procurement routes.

Experience or interest in the following areas would be advantageous. This may include holding a relevant professional qualification or membership, such as a project management qualification, MCIOB, MRICS or Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status. You may have experience of client-side project management and of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams, particularly on major or complex projects. Experience of delivering teaching or research laboratories, highly serviced or technical spaces, or involvement in laboratory design within a university, commercial or healthcare setting would also be welcomed.

What we offer

Standard UCL Benefits:

• 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits .

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion .

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy