The Future Projects Manager will lead the strategic oversight, coordination and client-side management of the College's ambitious £90m+ estate redevelopment programme. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of education by delivering transformational learning environments through a landmark masterplan, enabling works and infrastructure modernisation projects. Working with senior leaders, consultants, contractors and key stakeholders, the postholder will ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards. They will also strengthen governance, reporting and programme management processes, creating sustainable, future-focused spaces that enhance learning, support organisational goals and benefit the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Programme Delivery

Lead the delivery of the College's £90m+ masterplan redevelopment programme, ensuring projects support organisational priorities, curriculum needs and the long-term estates strategy.
Provide client-side leadership for demolition, redevelopment, enabling works and infrastructure projects.
Develop project briefs, business cases and feasibility studies to inform investment decisions and future estate planning.

Capital Project Delivery

Manage projects through the full lifecycle, from feasibility and design to construction, handover and post-occupancy review.
Deliver projects safely, on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards while maintaining business continuity.
Maintain effective project governance, including programme planning, risk management, reporting, change control, budget monitoring and performance reporting.
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including CDM, Health & Safety, Building Regulations and public procurement legislation.
Drive sustainable, accessible and future-focused estate improvements that support the College's Net Zero ambitions.

Stakeholder, Consultant & Contract Management

Act as the College's client representative, managing consultants, contractors and professional advisers to ensure successful project delivery.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align projects with operational and curriculum priorities.
Support procurement, tendering and contract management (including JCT and NEC contracts), ensuring value for money and effective supplier performance.

Financial Management & Leadership

Support programme budgets, financial planning and investment prioritisation across the estate.
Promote collaborative working, strong governance and continuous improvement to strengthen the College's capital project delivery capability.

Is this you?

Be Specific: Avoid vague terms like ‘a good team player’ without explaining what that entails.

Distinguish Essential and Desirable: Clearly separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.

Focus on Objectivity: Ensure criteria can be measured or assessed fairly.

Experience

Significant experience delivering major masterplan, capital projects, ideally within complex multi-site environments.

Experience acting in a client-side project or programme management role.

Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams and contractor relationships.

Experience of procurement, contract administration and project governance.

Experience delivering projects under JCT and NEC forms of contract.

Experience within public sector, education or regulated environments.

Experience developing business cases, investment proposals and governance reporting.

Demonstrable experience managing budgets, risk registers, programme reporting and project controls.

Experience supporting or delivering projects involving DfE, ESFA or publicly funded capital programmes desirable

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Degree or equivalent qualification in:

Construction Management

Project Management

Building Surveying

Quantity Surveying

Engineering

Architecture

Property or related discipline

Professional qualification, chartered status or equivalent substantial experience in a relevant discipline, including:

MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

APM PMQ / Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) or equivalent Association for Project Management qualification

MCIOB (Member of the Chartered Institute of Building)

PRINCE2 Practitioner

RIBA Chartered Membership

Equivalent recognised construction, project management or estates qualification

Chartered status or demonstrable progression towards chartership in a relevant professional discipline is desirable.

Why Oaklands?

At Oaklands, your work matters. We invest in both students and staff to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow.

Generous holiday allowance - 35 days plus bank holidays.
Local Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
Free onsite permit parking.
Onsite gym and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest. Don’t miss your opportunity to join a college that’s shaping futures and transforming lives.

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Future Projects manager

Lead a £90m+ estate transformation programme, delivering landmark capital projects that create inspiring learning spaces and shape the future of education through strategic client-side project leaders