Project Manager - Asset Development & Delivery

Unite Students are looking for an experienced Project Manager to deliver projects to our existing portfolio that enhance value or improve performance. This could range from rebuilding a property, providing additional bedrooms through extensions or reconfiguration of the existing space, enhancing the quality of Common Rooms, or rebranding with a different product mix.

Growing our Asset Management Pipeline is a key strategic aim for Unite and we have several schemes currently being delivered with an ongoing commitment in a 5-year Plan.

The main purpose of this initiative is to contribute to the on-going profitability and growth of the Business through expert management of the schemes. This role will include the evaluation and management of project risk and leadership of the design team, the procurement of the works and the management of the on-site process. This will take projects from the point of inception, through to start on site, practical completion, end of the defect rectification period and ultimately allowing for the smooth transition to the Operations and Estates Teams.

What you`ll be doing

• Strategic technical input to aid in the best development fit for the site to maximise returns.
• Strategic input on risks to ensure that these have been considered within the design, programme, costing of the scheme and ultimately the appraisal to ensure the correct pricing of the land.
• Progressing due diligence in terms of identifying appropriate surveys, reviewing legal contracts and third party matters to minimise build cost risk.
• Providing strategic plan for vision, process and delivery of the scheme including procurement, due diligence, and external appointments.
• Providing strategic input into the design and the development of the scheme pre planning and lead the consultant team during design team meetings to ensure that the scheme is financially and functionally correct, maximises returns, the scheme is buildable and has the correct room mix and specification. Sign off scheme before issue of planning application.
• Appointing and leading external consultant team to ensure maximisation of value add for each scheme.
• Ensuring that design of buildings before and through planning remains in line with cost plans so budgets are not exceeded, the development potential is maximised, and the functionality of the buildings are in line with operational requirements.
• Cross functional working with the estates and operations team and also ensuring new initiatives align with our aspirations to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030
• Ensuring Health and Safety compliance to legal and Unite Students standards.
• Leading value engineering workshops and progress to maximise returns.
• Leading the main contractor tender preparation and process
• Agreeing CP`s and complete building contract / consultant contracts
• Administering the Building Contract or manage external Employer`s Agent to keep them motivated and align objectives to programme and Supply Chain Management.
• Liaising with all other relevant parts of the business before and throughout construction to ensure an effective mobilisation process and successful handover of the property.
• If any legacy matters remain post PC, ensure that a strategy to complete has been considered, agreed, activated, and driven through to the earliest completion. Take full accountability for effective legacy completion from cradle to grave.

What we`re looking for in you

• Hold (or be working towards) a professional construction related qualification.
• Extensive experience of delivering major projects from inception to final sign off.
• Experienced in the management of procurement and contract documentation.
• A proven track record of management of external consultant teams.
• Demonstrable strong negotiation skills
• Strong computer literacy with the ability to use Microsoft Office
• Possesses a positive and collaborative attitude, with the ability to adapt swiftly and a willingness to undertake challenging tasks to ensure customer/ stakeholder satisfaction.
• Self-motivated and possessing the ability to work on own initiative and as within a team.
• Evidence of working in a fast paced, high change environment and able to manage multiple demands effectively.
• Ability to build relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.

What You`ll Get in Return

• An annual bonus so you can share in the company`s success
• 25 days` paid holiday
• Pension - based on how much you save, we`ll contribute 1% more
• Flexible working opportunities
• Shared Parental Leave - 18 weeks full pay
• Other benefits include, ShareSave, Bike to Work, Charity Match, amazing discounts and more!

About Unite Students

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is a FTSE 100 business and the UK`s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 25 leading university towns and cities, with 74,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.

Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn`t just what we do but who we are.

People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.

Room for Everyone

We`re proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we`re passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with a passion for creating room for everyone, doing what`s right, keeping US safe, and raising the bar. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.

We are US.