KUSCO - Senior Project Manager

KUSCO - Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager Candidate Information Pack

Introduction The Kingston University Estate Vision Senior Project Manager - The Role Further information and application process Contents

Introduction

Kingston University Service Company Ltd (KUSCO) was formed in 1997 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kingston University. It provides a range of facilities management services to the University. KUSCO supports a diverse range of buildings and occupations across a multi-site estate ranging from a leafy campus at Kingston Hill, knights park, Roehampton Vale and the main Kingston upon Thames Penrhyn Road campus which is home to the newly completed Townhouse Project. As well as prestigious museum and conferencing facilities at Dorich House overlooking Richmond Park. KUSCO is unusual in that it is a hybrid organisation. As a limited company sitting under a higher education umbrella it seeks to take advantage of the commercial freedoms available to it by operating as a private sector organisation, whilst aligning its objectives wholly to support its only client Kingston University. aims to provide first class FM services at a commercially competitive price.

The Kingston University Estate Vision

At Kingston University we take great pride in the difference we make to the lives of our 16,499 students and the wider community we serve. We are constantly striving to provide excellent services and to continue to make a positive contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the borough. Over the last 10 years we have achieved a lot by investing in our estate and over the next 10 years we hope to continue to improve and transform our campuses by providing an even better teaching and learning experience, and upgraded facilities for students, staff and the local community. A key aim of the Estate Vision is to create new high-quality buildings that will provide an even better teaching and learn- ing experience across our campuses. Many of our buildings were built between the 1950s and 1970s. Inevitably these buildings are deteriorating, costly to run and aren’t energy efficient. Other UK universities are investing in their campuses which means we also need to invest to maintain our success in a competitive market. These new buildings will be environmentally sustainable and will be flexible so they can adapt to future teaching needs. In the longer term this will enable us to produce a more sustainable community. We also aim to

relocate our teaching facility at Roehampton Vale from Wandsworth into the borough of Kingston. The campus development plan sets out the University’s aspirational long term plans, over the next ten years, to create a world class Civic University at the heart of Kingston, which will enhance the experience for students, staff, visitors and the wider community, and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the borough. We are committed to investing in facilities which provide innovative and flex - ible space, designed to develop student potential and deliver new and collaborative ways of learning, teaching and working. Increasing our status as a distinctive University recognised internationally for excellence and academic success. Our plan is designed to meet the University’s immediate needs while providing a framework for the future, improving the campus environment with stunning new contemporary spaces. Further information can be viewed at: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/aboutkingston- university/howtheuniversityworks/universi- typlan/ https://www.kingston.ac.uk/aboutkingston- university/campus-development/ https://www.kingston.ac.uk/aboutkingston- university/location/

The Role Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Job Title

Estate and Asset Department

Faculty/Dept. Line Manager Direct reports

Estate Asset Manager

1 x Internal Project manager, 1 x Internal Site Inspector and External professional advisors

Location client

All sites leased and owned by the Kingston University

Job Function & Concept This post holder is responsible for the management and delivery of a defined schedule of projects as agreed with KU Estates within agreed time, cost and quality parameters. The post holder will oversee the management and service delivery of multiple projects from feasibility through delivery and handover to client. The role will be responsible for a Project Manager and Site inspector to assist in delivering projects. Project expenditure is the region of £4m/year. The Senior Project Manager will regularly be leading & advising on more than one project at a time. It therefore requires a highly motivated, positive, flexible, mobile, customer- oriented attitude, with a spirit of team work and mutual support, and expert technical abilities. Since the role is further involved with the management of various contractors, it also calls for effective managerial and monitoring skills to promote the company’s long and short term business strategies.

Job Responsibilities 1. To lead and develop team members, providing management and support to improve on project efficiency. Ensuring good teamwork and high morale is maintained. 2. Leading and facilitating the overall multi-discipline professional project team, including risk management, design management and stakeholder engagement. 3. Define project requirements, quality procedures, standards and specifications needed to fulfil each project. 4. Advising at a strategic level at the project conception stage, including providing advice on the different approaches that can be adopted in order to successfully achieve the overall objectives 5. Deliver a comprehensive programme of varying sized schemes for building, mechanical and electrical related projects, on time, on budget and to the agreed client brief and specification. 6. Leading the establishment of the overall success criteria for the project, including time, cost, technical and performance parameters. Some of the projects may be phased over several financial years, due to their size & complexity. 7. Promote a healthy & productive working relationship with colleagues and, where appropriate, end users and their representatives, within all faculties & corporate teams. 8. Establishing effective project governance, processes, and systems to be utilised throughout projects. 9. Work closely with the procurement team to demonstrate value for money in all project transactions and the appointment of professional advisors. 10. Liaise effectively with the appropriate colleagues to ensure all considerations regarding engineering compliance, risk registers, fire safety, asbestos and any other risks will be included within all project briefs. 11. Identify which schemes will require external support and professional advisors and appoint these in a transparent and compliant manner. 12. Ensure that all schemes, are delivered in strict accordance with relevant legislation and agreed energy targets where possible. 13. Advise and assist with the development of standard pre-ambles, specifications for project works and for all new projects, to ensure the adoption of the relevant types of contract for each scheme/ programme. 14. Handle sensitive discussion and negotiations with internal clients, to ensure a clear understanding and agreement on project scope, dates and costs, thereby reducing the risk of scope creep and/or cost over runs. 15. Implement communication techniques, at every stage of a scheme, i.e. pre-on site, during works and seek Client feedback. Include encouraging colleagues and peer groups to maximise the impact of a scheme through highly visible communications. 16. Assist with the development of future LTMP budgets and minor works budget, with reference to the existing risk register and risk matrix.

17. Advise management and client of the need for investment in the assets based upon feedback from operational colleagues. 18.For staff who would not normally be paid overtime, there is an expectation that they will work the hours necessary to carry out their normal duties. TOIL should not, therefore, be used where occasional additional hours are required to compensate for normal fluctuations in workload. TOIL should be used only where there is a foreseeable need to maintain levels of customer service which alternative working arrangements, such as revising annual leave requests or using temporary staff could not cover. TOIL may only be accumulated within a plan agreed with the line manager. Any additional hours worked must be agreed in advance. If this agreement is not in place, then the additional hours will not qualify for the accrual of TOIL and will be lost. 19. To undertake any other duties as appropriate within their competence, as required by their line manager from time to time.

Culture and Behaviours

The successfully appointed individual will be expected to act ethically at all times and in a manner which reflects the company culture and ethos around providing a customer cen- tred, performance driven service at all times. This will include developing communications and objective setting which is aligned and drives the Company’s objectives. The provision of a quality service is central to the Company’s vision and the post holder will be required to develop systems and processes which add value, and adopt a “lean” approach to administration. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and all duties reasonably commensurate with this post will be considered included.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Senior Project Manager

Knowledge and Qualifications Required Educated to graduate level or equivalent

Essential

Desirable

Professionally qualified in one of the following fields: construction, project management, engineering, surveying or architecture. As well as a recognised professional accreditation & membership. PRINCE2 or similar project management qualifications, suitable for company size and shape Understanding of the application of advanced project management skills and a willingness to become competent in MS project software

Skills and Competencies Needed Experience and Skills

A thorough understanding of the total project life cycle, from dealing with strategic issues at conception stage, through all of the operational stages to completion and post-project review Experience of managing a team and completing appraisals where required. Motivating the team to work exceptionally in delivering their responsibilities. Extensive & proven experience in the delivery of medium sized projects, ideally within large occupied premises for fabric and M&E schemes. Project planning and scheduling, including ensuring the production of the detailed project plan Excellent interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic and tactful approach, achieving results through negotiating and successfully building relationships with colleagues, external contacts and the University Good verbal and written communication skills Excellent numeracy and financial understanding with the ability to convert these into tabular and spreadsheet format to enhance the clarity of reporting. Demonstration of accuracy and attention to detail at all levels. Experience with a range of IT skills and use of all MS packages including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook, CAD demonstrating accuracy and close attention to detail Committed to the provision of a Client centred project management service, with a sharp attention to detail, without losing the “big picture”. Ability to multi-task, prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and work calmly and effectively under pressure. Ability to think logically and apply problem solving skills Excellent knowledge of construction and engineering industry technical matters, such as different procurement routes, value management and value engineering Experience of leading public sector, particularly higher education project management commissions for medium to large sized construction or engineering projects of medium to high complexity

Personal Qualities Robust and resilient personality, who is able to provide a quality, effective support function, in a busy and demanding customer centred environment Demonstrates energy and enthusiasm and adopts a positive/ can do culture, in their approach. Able to attend occasional events/ conferences to support KUSCO’s external communications, with potential new Clients, with suitable notice. Able and willing to work outside routine office hours, to ensure the successful delivery of specific projects and the overall programme on time and on budget. Flexible and adaptable to changing routines and new working practices

Essential

Desirable

Further Information and application process

For a confidential discussion to learn more about the role and opportunity please contact Kingston University’s appointed recruitment partner Matthew Giles of The Management Recruitment Group. Matthew Giles T: 020 3962 9900 M: 07530 680 159 E: [email protected] Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and supporting cover letter. Applications should be sent to: [email protected]

www.mrgpeople.co.uk