Assistant Project Manager

What makes Goldsmiths unique?

Goldsmiths is a world-renowned university that has a reputation for rigorous and innovative academic work; creativity has long been our hallmark. Academic excellence and imaginative course content combine to make a place where creative minds can thrive.

About the Department

Goldsmiths, University of London is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Project Manager to support the delivery of its diverse and high-profile capital investment programme. Working within the Estates and Facilities – Capital Planning team, the postholder will assist in managing refurbishment, infrastructure and compliance-driven projects across a varied academic estate, supporting projects from early planning through to completion.

About the Role

The role will involve coordinating consultants and contractors, supporting procurement and governance processes, monitoring programme, cost and risk, and managing smaller capital and minor works projects under supervision. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in construction and capital project management within a complex, stakeholder-rich higher-education environment, with exposure to live projects and clear progression opportunities.

About the Candidate

The Assistant Project Manager will support the delivery of Goldsmiths, University of London’s capital investment and minor works programmes across its academic estate. Working closely with the Capital Projects Manager and wider Estates and Facilities teams, the role will assist in the planning, coordination and delivery of construction, refurbishment and infrastructure projects, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with agreed scope, programme and budget.

This is a developmental role suited to a motivated individual seeking to build a career in construction and capital project management within a complex, stakeholder-led higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery Support

• Support the delivery of capital and minor works projects, including refurbishments, infrastructure upgrades and compliance-driven works.

• Assist with projects across the full lifecycle, from feasibility and planning through to completion and handover.

Minor Works Management

• Manage smaller capital and minor works packages under supervision, including building fabric and MEP-related works.

• Coordinate works with in-house maintenance teams and external contractors to minimise disruption to the university.

Contractor, Consultant and Procurement Support

• Assist with the appointment and coordination of consultants and specialist contractors in line with Goldsmiths’ procurement procedures.

• Support tender preparation, contractor evaluation and procurement documentation.

Programme, Cost and Risk Control

• Assist with monitoring project programmes, budgets and risks.

• Support the maintenance of project trackers, cost information and risk registers.

Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including briefs, schedules, cost plans, meeting minutes and reports.

• Contribute to progress updates and reports for senior management and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with academic departments, professional services teams, students, consultants and contractors.

• Assist with communication relating to access, programme and project impacts.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Support compliance with health and safety legislation, statutory requirements and university policies.

• Assist in ensuring projects align with sustainability objectives and good construction practice.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development of project management processes, systems and templates.

• Undertake training and professional development to support career progression.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of construction and building environments.

• Basic understanding of project management principles and methodologies (e.g. construction project delivery, PRINCE2, APM or similar).

Skills

• Ability to organise and manage multiple tasks and priorities.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Personal Attributes

• Motivated and proactive approach to learning and development.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Awareness of health and safety responsibilities in a construction environment.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Qualification in construction, building surveying, engineering, project management or a related discipline.

• Working towards or interest in professional accreditation (e.g. APM, CIOB, RICS).

Experience

• Experience supporting or delivering construction, refurbishment or minor works projects.

• Experience working with contractors, consultants or supply chains.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of relevant construction legislation and regulations.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g. MS Project).

• Understanding of procurement processes within the public sector or higher education.

• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and basic cost information.

General Requirements

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Willingness to undertake training as required.

• Compliance with Goldsmiths’ health and safety policies and procedures.

Benefits 

We have generous benefits – an agile working environment, 22 days’ annual leave plus 6 paid closure days (4 at Christmas and 2 at Easter) plus all Bank Holidays, great transport links, a defined benefit pension scheme, support for professional development, and a broad range of wellbeing initiatives such as staff choir, running club, and creative writing classes.