Occupying three beautiful campuses ranging from the urban utopia of London Road, the peaceful parkland of Whiteknights to the riverside retreat of Greenlands, the unique “University in a Park” setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work.
A rare opportunity has arisen to shape the future of space and asset management at the University. The Estates team at Reading is re-organising around a ‘one estates’ team ethos that will enable seamless delivery under the newly approved Estate Strategy. An expanded Space and Asset Management team will work within the Campus Planning department leading the information management competency to provide the bedrock of our vision to deliver ‘The University in a Park.’
Reporting to the Campus Planning Director, the Head of Space & Asset Management will lead a small team with the aim of transforming our approach to space management to deliver true value from our estate. The University is growing its student population, but not its footprint. We must look to a modern, innovative data driven solution to meet this challenge. The Estate Strategy sets out the framework within which the Estate will be developed to meet the University’s income growth aspirations. Within this there are several major capital projects. The post holder will be instrumental in the briefing and development of the space needs associated with these, and a raft of smaller projects. The forthcoming introduction of a new CAFM system will also give us the opportunity to ‘reboot’ our approach to property information. The challenge is real and immediate, we must do more with less. It is an exciting and challenging time for the right individual to join the team and make a difference.
The right candidate will have considerable experience in a strategic space management role in a relevant setting. A natural diplomat and networker, they will be as comfortable setting standards and policy with senior stakeholders as they are delving into the detail on the ground or modelling space needs. Motivated by ‘doing the right thing’ they will have a focus on outcomes which represent success for the University and estates users, very often having a significant input to what success looks like.
To learn more, visit the candidate brief here.
To arrange a confidential briefing discussion please contact our retained search advisors Nick Coppard (nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk) / 07896 079 495) and Ben Duffill (ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com / 07976125010) at MRG. Applications should be sent to nicholas.coppard@mrgpeople.co.uk and ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com
Closing date for applications is 29th October 2023. Interviews will be held w/c 20th November 2023.
