Property Project Manager

The Old Station Nursery Limited; Theale; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking a Property Project Manager to oversee refurbishment projects across their nursery portfolio. This role involves managing project delivery, stakeholder communication, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in construction management, particularly in regulated environments like education or healthcare. A commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality nursery environments is essential. This position offers a hybrid work model, requiring travel across the UK and some time in Theale offices.

Benefits

Remote work flexibility

Opportunities for professional development

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing construction or refurbishment projects, ideally in education or healthcare.
• Strong technical knowledge of refurbishment processes and CDM regulations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead refurbishment projects from concept to completion.
• Develop design briefs and review site layouts for improvements.
• Administer contracts and manage project finances.
• Maintain strong communication with stakeholders during works.

Skills

Construction project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Degree/diploma in Project Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Project)

Job description

Property Project Manager

Contract:Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours)
Location:Remote/Hybrid, with regular UK-wide traveland some time in our Theale offices.
Reports to:Head of Property

The Project Manager role plays a pivotal part in creating andmaintainingsafe, inspiring, and high-quality nursery environments across The Old Station Nursery Group. Reporting to the Head of Property, you will lead the delivery of our national refurbishment programme,managing around 20–25 projects per year,ensuringour settingsremaincompliant,safe,efficient, and aligned to our brandand operationalstandards.

Working across a portfolio of 79 propertieswithin the UK, you will blend practical constructionexpertisewith strong stakeholder collaboration, ensuring every project enhances the experience for children, families, and our teams.You’llbe hands-on, forward-thinking, and deeply invested in delivering settings wherebothchildrenand our peoplethrive

Operational Excellence

• Lead refurbishment projects from concept to completion, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

• Develop design briefs with operational leaders, ensuring efficient layouts, FTE optimisation, and brand alignment.

• Review site layouts and propose improvements to space usage, flow, and the child experience.

• Prepare tender documents, assess contractor pricing, and value-engineer solutions to achieve best value.

• Administer JCT Minor Works contracts, managing prelims, consultants, and contract processes.

• Oversee all project stages: meetings, site visits, reporting, snagging, handover, certification, and defect reviews.

• Manage project finances including budgets, valuations, variations, and final accounts.

• Ensure full compliance with CDM regulations, the Building Safety Act, statutory requirements, and safeguarding principles.

• Maintain strong communication with Area Managers, Nursery Managers, and Quality leads to minimise disruption during works.

Delivering Business Objectives

• Brand-Aligned Environments:Work with the Facilities and Marketing teams to develop property specifications that reflect statutory requirements and the TOSN brand.

• Build Supplier Excellence:Strengthen and expand the contractor base, ensuring quality, cost control, and performance KPIs are consistently met.

• Support Strategic Planning:Use cost and performance data to inform long-term budgeting and business planning.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner with Finance, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Facilities to ensure seamless alignment on all projects.

• Team Support:Provide technicalexpertiseand occasional cover for Facilities colleagues tomaintaincontinuity of service.

• Bring Our Culture to Life:Role-model our mission, vision, values, and brand identity in all internal and external interactions.

Business Growth & Continuous Improvement

• OptimiseLayouts & Occupancy:Reconfigure spaces tomaximiseFTE capacity, staff efficiency, and nursery flow.

• Solve Problems Fast:Apply data and insight to address project challenges proactively.

• Drive Continuous Improvement:Identifyand deliver enhancements that elevate property standards, child and parent experience, and operational outcomes.

• Collaborate for Impact:Work closely with internal teams to share best practice and drive innovation across the estate.

Who you are:

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience managing construction or refurbishment projects, ideally in education, early years, healthcare, or other regulated environments.

• Strong technical knowledge of refurbishment processes, CDM regulations, and the Building Safety Act.

• Experience delivering projects on occupied sites or coordinating out-of-hours works.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, building strong relationships with colleagues, contractors, and senior stakeholders.

• Ability to analyse tender returns, manage project finances, and prepare business cases and reports.

• High attention to detail with strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Confident using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Project).

• Good understanding of construction costs and contractor management.

• Desirable: Degree/diploma in Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, or similar, OR significant experience (10+ years).

• Desirable: Understanding of early years operations, OFSTED expectations, and how design impacts occupancy, safety, and the learning environment.

• Commitment to continuous professional development across project management, cost control, CDM/H&S, or contract management.

Personal Attributes

• Practical & Professional: Confident representing TOSN to contractors, partners, and external stakeholders.

• Quality-Driven: Passionate about delivering outstanding, well-designed nursery environments.

• Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site role with competing priorities.

• Solutions-Focused: Anticipates challenges early and takes decisive, clear action.

• Values-Led: Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and a strong commitment to child and colleague safety and wellbeing.

The Old Station Nursery group are committed to safeguarding and the safer recruitment processes. Enhanced DBS checks and references are required in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.