The Role
The Development Team are on track to deliver a record £1.3 billion development pipeline, securing planning approvals on two schemes in London and Bristol. These projects will deliver much needed new student homes in two of the UK`s strongest university cities.
We are also taking an innovative approach to delivering more homes for students, by developing a university partnerships JV model which will provide a compelling opportunity to deliver new, large scale, high-quality accommodation. With our first University partnership JV now underway with Newcastle University which will require the redevelopment of the existing Castle Leazes student campus to provide over 2000 new student beds and associated amenity.
This success has allowed the development team to expand and 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 Estate 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 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
- Cross functional working with the estates and operations team and also ensuring an new initiatives align with our aspirations to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
- Leading external teams to deliver construction on time, to quality and cost
- Identifying and managing project risk throughout the development life cycle
- 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 so that their work is to a high standard and turned around promptly and they effectively become an extension of the Unite Students internal team
- Liaising with all other relevant parts of the business before and throughout construction to ensure an effective mobilisation process and successful handover of the building
- If any legacy matters remain post Practical Completion, 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. MRICS preferred.
- 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
- 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
- Ability to create and maintain relationships across wide geographical area
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience with raising finance
- Experience in claims management
- A knowledge of and contacts within regional markets
- Detailed understanding and knowledge of planning policies
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 over 70,000 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.