Director of Residential Capability Development

Durham University is an internationally renowned, distinctive institution that occupies a prominent position within the UK’s Russell Group of Universities. The University is an outstanding centre of educational excellence and a collegiate community of extraordinary people in a unique and historic setting; Durham is a university like no other.

This is a new role for the University which will shape the future development of the College estate, and in turn will have a huge impact upon the lives of future generations of Durham students. As the incoming Director of Residential Capability Development, you will act as the Senior Responsible Officer on a number of major capital programmes across their residential estate. This also includes the development of new Colleges and a 10-year, £120 million, refurbishment programme. You will work directly to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) and be a member of the Division’s Senior Management Team.

The Role

• The role will initially oversee two major residential projects: the College of St Hild and St Bede Redevelopment and 19th  College project, and the Residential Refurbishment Programme.
• The role holder will lead and work with a broad range of colleagues and stakeholders and will be required to brief directly to the Executive and Council levels. The Hild Bede / 19th  College project will require close cooperation with the Estates & Facilities Project Technical Director.
• The role holder will chair the Programme Board and act as deputy for the Project Sponsor, taking on the Sponsor’s responsibility for independent thinking and decision making in line with the University and Business Case strategic objectives.
• They are also responsible for communicating the specific requirements of the University to the other members of the team. Representing the end users, the Director will take an active role in the consultation and decision-taking process to ensure that the outcomes are fit-for-purpose.

The Candidate

• Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience.
• Extensive experience of major programme management, preferably within capital capability roles. The candidate will have experience at Senior Responsible Officer or at least Senior Director levels, overseeing the development of residential or operational capital projects.
• Track record of strategic and transformation delivery, experience of managing complex and high-risk projects to time, cost and performance.
• Excellent insight into relevant best practice, particularly as it pertains to the University.
• Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise used to influence events and activities within the organisation.
• Strong appreciation of the stakeholder environment within the University.

Durham University is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive, and in doing so, recruit the world’s best candidates from all backgrounds and identities. We welcome applications from a diverse pool of leaders from all walks of life. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic and senior posts in the University.

Durham University are working in partnership with Berwick Partners to recruit to this post. Applications submitted via this portal will not be considered.

For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit https://www.berwickpartners.co.uk/opportunities/assignment/87416/

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners; Tom Neely on +44 7384717939 or Tom.Neely@berwickpartners.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd  January at midday