Please note, this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only 

We are currently looking to appoint an Assistant Director Property Joint Ventures (Development)  to lead the successful delivery of property and project development initiatives across the University's estate.

In this post,  you will play a key role in shaping transformational development solutions and forging meaningful partnerships that support the University's journey as a globally renowned, world-class academic, cultural, and innovation hub.

The role will have a strong focus on advocating for the University’s interests in future joint ventures, ensuring alignment with its development vision and maximising income generation. The joint venture portfolio requires expert oversight, commercial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex transactions. The Assistant Director will be pivotal in ensuring that the University is fully represented in these these high-value, high-impact initiatives within the commercial property development landscape.

Job Purpose

Lead the successful delivery of all University of Glasgow (UofG) property / project development, ensuring the estate and assets enable vision and ambition on campus and beyond. To shape transformational development solutions and deliver meaningful partnerships which support UofG journey as a globally renowned hub of academic, cultural and innovation activity, creating a world-leading environment, deeply integrated in the city.

The role will have a particular focus on representing the University’s interests in any future joint ventures with regards development and delivery of vision, and income generation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and deliver projects in line with the Joint Venture Strategy to provide property solutions for the University’s Strategy, including visioning and business case development; internal consultation; overseeing procurement, legal and financial processes; overseeing budget and programme management; and obtaining any governance approvals.

2. Build, manage and maintain relationships with all third-party stakeholders, including prospective joint venture partners.

3. Oversee complex multi stakeholder, externally funded project developments and realisation working both within the realm of UofG governance but also navigating partner governance.

4. Provided strategic oversight and direction for multi-million, multi-year budgets, focusing on joint venture activities, investment planning, and campus development initiatives.

5. Facilitate and shape the creation of the Campus Development Framework and Investment Plan, ensuring that all projects are strategically aligned with and support the University’s aims and ambitions.

6. Oversee the effective implementation of investment plan budgets to ensure best value and impact and provide challenge where necessary.

7. Drive the development and ensure deliver-ready projects in line with the University’s Campus Plan and Investment Plan, including: strategic visioning and business case development; conducting internal consultation; overseeing procurement, legal and financial processes; managing budgets and programmes; and securing any necessary governance approvals.

8. Manage and develop the capability of the Project Development Management team, by strategically overseeing project and Business Partner team workload and workforce planning, driving delivery and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

9. Lead and develop the team of Project Development Managers, ensuring effective, timely and on budget project development., including to develop and update relevant Estates policies and standards to ensure consistent and world-class project development in line with the University’s requirements.

10. Oversee the Estates Business Partners, supporting them to provide excellent customer service to the Colleges/University Services, and guide them to provide sound strategic estates and project advice.

11. Collaborate with other teams to share best practices and lessons learned, ensuring the continuous development and implementation of effective management methodologies and systems across the Directorate.

12. Contribute as a senior manager to the development and delivery of departmental strategy, operational plans and cultural change, and as such take a lead role in the delivery of the University’s ambition in line with the University’s Strategic Plan.

13. Deputise for the Director of Property Joint Ventures as appropriate.

14. Represent the University effectively on all relevant internal and external groups, e.g. AUDE, SAUDE, RICS forums and committees.

15. Engage in continuous professional development activities as appropriate and necessary for professional status/charter.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

A2 Degree qualification with a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in a relevant discipline, e.g. Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Architect (RIBA/RIAS).

A3 Highly developed knowledge of asset management, investment and property market.

A4 Knowledge of the higher education sector

Desirable:

B1  A detailed understanding of the University of Glasgow, knowledge of systems, project management and project delivery

SkillsEssential:

C1 Excellent leadership and management abilities, including the delivery and evaluation of a portfolio of projects and activities with reference to objectives and benefits.

C2 Capable of leading a team, aligning operational plans and objectives with delivering the University’s strategic aims and vision. .

C3 Highly credible with strong ability to influence and persuade diverse audiences and stakeholder groups, including negotiation and diplomacy.

C4 Able to analyse complex situations and produce and implement strategic processes.

C5 Outstanding numerical skills and financial acumen with an ability to build a business case and manage complex budgets.

C6 Excellent written communications and presentation skills.

C7 Solution focused with a strong attention to detail and strong analytical insight.

C8 Able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.

C9 Environmentally aware with excellent skills at understanding and managing political sensitivity.

C10 Able to influence, liaise and co-operate with people across organisational boundaries, skilled at setting expectations, measuring performance and communicating results.

C11 Able to create an environment of accountability for results and actions, inspiring the cooperation of others in promoting change.

Desirable:

D1 Excellent digital skills, especially Microsoft Office and reporting tools.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Substantial experience of working in complex environments and  programmes/project management involving multiple stakeholders.

E2 Experience of development and implementing successful/innovative strategies which impact significantly on the strategic development of a business.

E3 Demonstrable & significant experience of complex project and programme delivery .

Experience of target setting and performance management.

E4 Experience of engaging and working with professional project teams and ensuring delivery of projects to achieve key targets.

E4 Ability to demonstrate experience of effectively leading, influencing and motivating teams.

E5 Experience in leading cross functional projects of scale.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £59,139 - £66,537 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

As part of Team UofG, you will be a member of a world-changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff,   pension, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your   health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community   here.

We endorse the principles of  Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

Closing date: 23:45 on Sunday 16th March 2025