Principal Education Property Development Officer


Company:	Reading Borough Council
Salary:	£45,529 to £51,928 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Reading, RG1 2LU
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	19 Oct 2026
Closing date:	1 Nov 2026

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Summary

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.

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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.