University of Cambridge
Head of Non-Operational Projects
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The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for excellence in research, teaching and innovation. Our estate plays a vital role in supporting this mission, providing world-class environments for learning, discovery and collaboration.
The Estates Division is responsible for the development, management and maintenance of one of the largest higher education estates in the UK. Through an ambitious programme of investment and development, we are shaping the future of the University's estate, delivering projects that support cutting-edge research, exceptional student experiences and long-term environmental sustainability.
We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Non-Operational Projects, a strategically significant role responsible for delivering some of the University's most complex and high-profile capital developments.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Programme Delivery, the Head of Non-Operational Projects will provide strategic leadership across a major portfolio of construction, refurbishment and development projects within the University's non-operational estate, including North West Cambridge.
You will oversee the successful delivery of a substantial capital programme, ensuring projects are delivered safely, sustainably, on time and within budget, while meeting the University's strategic objectives. Acting as the University's client representative, you will work closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, external consultants, contractors and funding partners to drive successful outcomes across a diverse and complex portfolio.
The role combines strategic leadership, governance oversight, commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement, with responsibility for projects of significant scale and complexity, including developments valued at up to £300 million.
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Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing a multidisciplinary project delivery team
- Overseeing a portfolio of more than 100 live projects at any one time
- Providing governance, assurance and strategic oversight across major capital programmes
- Managing relationships with senior University stakeholders, consultants, contractors and external partners
- Driving excellence in project delivery, sustainability, risk management and financial control
- Leading procurement strategies and major contract negotiations
- Reporting programme performance, opportunities and risks to senior University committees and governance bodies.
About You
You will be a highly credible and accomplished leader with substantial experience delivering large-scale capital projects and development programmes within a complex organisation.
You will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership, programme delivery and stakeholder management, together with the ability to influence at the most senior levels.
Equally comfortable operating at board level and leading delivery teams, you will combine commercial awareness with a collaborative and people-focused approach.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
University of Cambridge
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience leading major capital projects and complex development programmes
- Outstanding leadership, negotiation and influencing skills
- Strong commercial, procurement and contract management expertise
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical and strategic information clearly
- Experience managing professional project delivery teams and external advisers
- A commitment to safety, quality, sustainability and continuous improvement.
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Why Join the Estates Division?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future physical development of one of the world's most prestigious universities.
You will play a leading role in delivering a transformational programme of investment, influencing developments that will support generations of students, researchers and staff. Working at the heart of a globally recognised institution, you will have the opportunity to lead major projects, contribute to University strategy and create a lasting legacy through the built environment.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 26 August 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to: ED Recruitment (EDR@admin.cam.ac.uk)
If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Rachel Hughes, Recruitment Adviser, Senior Professional Appointments (Rachel.Hughes@admin.cam.ac.uk)
Please quote reference BA50553 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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