Project Manager - Asset Development & Delivery

at  Unite Students

Unite Students are looking for an experienced Project Manager to deliver projects to our existing portfolio that enhance value or improve performance. This could range from rebuilding a property, providing additional bedrooms through extensions or reconfiguration of the existing space, enhancing the quality of Common Rooms, or rebranding with a different product mix.
Growing our Asset Management Pipeline is a key strategic aim for Unite and we have several schemes currently being delivered with an ongoing commitment in a 5-year Plan.
The main purpose of this initiative is to contribute to the on-going profitability and growth of the Business through expert management of the schemes. 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 Estates Teams.

• 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 vision, 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.
• Ensuring that design of buildings before and through planning remains in line with cost plans so budgets are not exceeded, the development potential is maximised, and the functionality of the buildings are in line with operational requirements.
• Cross functional working with the estates and operations team and also ensuring new initiatives align with our aspirations to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030
• Ensuring Health and Safety compliance to legal and Unite Students standards.
• Leading value engineering workshops and progress to maximise returns.
• 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 to programme and Supply Chain Management.
• Liaising with all other relevant parts of the business before and throughout construction to ensure an effective mobilisation process and successful handover of the property.
• If any legacy matters remain post PC, 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.