Director of Capital Projects

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

EIT is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

EIT is seeking a Director of Capital Projects (Master Plan) to lead the delivery of a multi-phase master plan encompassing all capital construction and renovation projects from pre-concept to completion. This role manages the full project lifecycle, coordinating external partners, including architects, engineers, project managers, and contractors, while serving as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders. The Director establishes project management standards, governance frameworks, risk management tools, and reporting systems, directs and mentors internal project managers, ensures on-time, on-budget delivery, and coordinates with the Architecture team to uphold design standards. Additional responsibilities include overseeing commissioning, inspections, permits, project handover, and stewardship of capital budgets, forecasts, and funding strategies. This position requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and technical expertise to deliver transformative facilities that support the organisation’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full lifecycle (pre-concept through closeout) of all capital construction & renovation projects
• Lead external project teams including architects, engineers, project managers, and contractors
• Serve as point of contact for internal stakeholders throughout the project management lifecycle
• Develop and manage project management standards, charters, documents, risk registers, & reporting systems
• Lead team of internal project managers, ensuring effective delivery of projects & communication to stakeholders
• Coordinate with Architecture team to ensure consistency with Institute look/feel and goals
• Manage project commissioning, punch lists, occupancy permitting, and turnover
• Responsible for capital project budgeting, forecasting, and funding strategy

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven track record in leading large-scale capital projects (>$500M) from pre-concept through closeout, preferably within life sciences, healthcare, or research environments
• Strong expertise in construction project management methodologies, budgeting, forecasting, and funding strategies
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience delivering complex, multi-phase master plans exceeding 1,000,000 square feet
• Familiarity with institutional architecture standards, sustainable design, and LEED or equivalent certifications
• Knowledge of regulatory and permitting processes for specialised facilities (e.g., laboratories, GMP spaces, etc.)

We offer the following salary and benefits:

Salary: £130k - £150k per annum + travel allowance + bonus

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.