Principal Education Property Development Officer

Are you an experienced Project Manager, Building Surveyor, Architect, Engineer or Construction Professional looking to lead high-profile education capital projects worth up to £5 million and beyond? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a diverse programme of school expansion, refurbishment and development schemes that will directly shape the future of education provision across Reading.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, recognising the balance between site visits, stakeholder engagement and home-based working.

About The Role:
You’ll lead and manage multiple education capital projects simultaneously, working closely with schools, consultants, contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery on time and within budget.

Projects range from smaller refurbishment schemes to major developments exceeding £5 million, all with critical deadlines linked to pupil place delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing education capital build projects on site from feasibility through to completion
• Leading multidisciplinary project teams including architects, engineers and contractors
• Working collaboratively with Headteachers, Academy Trusts, Governors and senior stakeholders
• Managing procurement, planning applications and consultant appointments
• Carrying out feasibility studies and supporting strategic education estate planning
• Providing technical building advice and asset management support to schools
• Preparing reports and briefings for senior managers and council committees
• Ensuring compliance with financial, legal and risk management procedures

About You:
We’re looking for a confident and organised professional with strong construction project management expertise and experience delivering construction or property projects within an education or public sector environment.

We invite applications from professionally qualified Building Surveyors, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Engineers, Project Managers and other construction professionals with experience of delivering capital projects.

You will bring:

• A relevant degree qualification and professional or technical construction/project management qualification
• Experience managing capital projects and programmes across RIBA Stages of Work
• Strong understanding of education capital projects and relevant legislation
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant and contractor teams
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement

Experience working within Local Government or education settings would be highly desirable.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information, please contact Shweta Sharma Bhatia - Education Property Development Manager at shwetasharma.bhatia@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 2190

Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person, Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU