Estates Capital Delivery Manager

Unite Students has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Estates Capital Delivery Manager to join our high-performing Estates team. The role will primarily cover our London locations.

The Estates Capital Delivery Manager plays a critical role in delivering essential lifecycle and capital works across our operational estate. This role ensures that building systems, infrastructure, and aesthetic standards remain safe, compliant, and aligned with our brand promise.

You will lead the planning and execution of a rolling programme of works - covering fire safety systems, access control, M&E infrastructure renewals and building fabric / structure remedials; ensuring that the corresponding compliance and change documentation is accurately recorded in our management systems. Works will need to be delivered in accordance with our wider strategic goals.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering and Maintenance, you will ensure works are prioritised, mobilised, and delivered with minimal disruption to residents, achieving value for money and sustainability goals.

Every bit of work you deliver - from fire safety / M&E compliance to modernising spaces - directly impacts the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of thousands of residents. This role brings accountability for works that keep our estate operationally resilient and fit for the future.

• Deliver capital and lifecycle works, including:
  • Fire safety systems (fire panels, AOVs, fire doors, PFP works)
  • Access control, gates, and barrier systems
  • CCTV and security upgrades
  • Targeted lighting replacements
  • Heating & hot water systems (e.g., hot water cylinders; air source heat pumps)
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plant replacements
  • Lift refurbishments or replacements
  • Roof repairs and working-at-height equipment replacements and installations
  • Rolling redecoration and flooring programmes
• Ensure all works are scoped accurately, tendered effectively, and delivered on time, within budget, according to strategic goals and to specification.
• Manage mobilisation plans to minimise customer impact and ensure operational readiness.
• Shared line‑management of an Estates Coordinator, providing clear direction, coaching, and development.
• Delegate administrative and reporting tasks effectively to ensure smooth programme delivery.

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to prioritise works based on operational need.
• Act as the key point of contact for regional stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the whole delivery.
• Responsible to ensure all works are tendered in line with expectation and contractor performance is monitored and managed.
• Ensure that property teams have clear plans to ensure residents are communicated to and plans are in place to minimise disruption.

• Guarantee adherence to statutory compliance, health & safety, and brand standards.
• Ensure all works meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements, leveraging third‑party specialists where necessary.
• Shared accountability for embedding sustainability improvements in all planned works.
• The role is required to report regularly on progress, risks and all matters relating to compliance, using the group systems.
• Projects will need to follow the change management protocols for our building safety cases and all relevant documentation captured through our property data systems.
• Manage allocated capital budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost control, and value for money.
• Report on financial and delivery performance to the Group Estates Capital Delivery Manager.
• Projects will need to be managed within budget and customer constraints. Compelling papers will need to be produced by the delivery manager on any significant change to budget, scope or delivery programme.

• Proven experience in estates, property, or capital project delivery within a multi‑site operational environment.
• Strong understanding of building systems, compliance, and lifecycle asset planning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organisational skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Financi…