Project Technical Director

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.

As part of Durham University’s long term accommodation strategy, the site at Leazes Road in the City of Durham is going to be redeveloped to deliver two colleges comprising circa 1,000 self-catered bed spaces and associated facilities, including a shared hub building. This student accommodation project will be a mix of new build and refurbishment and be delivered via a design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) model with a private sector partner and associated supply chain.

The University is looking to appoint a Project Technical Director to manage this project from inception to completion on a 5-year fixed term contract. 

The Role 

• The role will own the technical delivery of the Hild Bede accommodation project. The development will be cognisant of the Hild Bede ethos and provide greater capacity for students, delivered via a design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) model, with a private sector partner
• The role holder will lead the formulation, management and technical delivery of a c.£100m high-profile project delivering critical infrastructure for the College and the University
• Manage the delivery of complex work streams using professional expertise and maintaining strong and effective relationships with external and internal partners.
• Work collaboratively with the College, Senior Responsible Officer and the University of Durham’s leadership team to influence and shape the build programme.
• Provide clear strategic and operational direction to the project, developing and continually improving procedures. Explore ways of improving efficiency and effectiveness and promote value for money.
• Ensure the programme of works is being undertaken with adherence to the highest HSE standards.
• Oversee and develop a team of managers and highly qualified professionals. This is likely to include some existing staff and new hires, in addition to third party resources. 

The Candidate

• Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience.
• Extensive experience of delivering substantial DBFO projects. The successful candidate will need to understand private finance initiatives for infrastructure projects in the public sector.
• Detailed understanding of the contractual aspects of DBFO/ PFI projects. This will include extensive supplier relationship and procurement management skills.
• Strong commercial skills and a demonstrable track record of operating within this type of DBFO project model or similar.
• Experience of balancing a project’s legal, commercial, technical, financial, operational and regulatory requirements to ensure successful delivery and value for money.
• Demonstrable ability to provide specialist advice and influence others at operational at strategic levels.
• Track record of cross-functional management and development of people.

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/87414/

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners; Tom Neely on +44 7384717939 or [email protected]

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd  January at midday

DBS Requirement: Not Applicable.