Head of Workspace

Do you have broad experience of providing objective workplace and workspace advice and producing building/workplace feasibility studies, strategies and options appraisals and a real desire to work in a unique and historic environment? Then make the move to the House of Commons Property, Planning & Design team.

Part of a Strategic Estates department that manages property and engineering infrastructures across the Parliamentary estate, the Property and Workspace teams provide real estate and workspace advice and services for the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Currently, we have a number of strategic programmes on the go. These include the Archive Accommodation Programme, Relocation Contingency Programme, Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal and the Northern Estate refurbishment.  The demand for space is established by the two Houses and the property supply and design requirements are met by the Property and Workspace teams. Your challenge will be to head up the Workspace team.

A great opportunity to make the most of your specialist and professional knowledge, you’ll act as the informed client in accommodation design matters as you deliver an effective and efficient customer-focused service across Parliament. We’ll also rely on you to use your enviable experience in workplace strategy and planning, interior design and architecture to deliver workspace advice, designs and optimisation based on professional standards and best practice. Indeed, you’ll be responsible for all space and occupancy design, furniture and fittings on workspace projects and office moves across the Parliamentary estate.  Along the way, you’ll get involved in designing office changes, assessing buildings for suitability, test fits, and decant planning for projects and high value strategic programmes. 

To succeed, you’ll need an Honours Degree in a relevant discipline such as Interior Design, Architecture or Surveying. We’ll also be looking for a track record of acting as the informed client relating to workplace asset strategies and workspace planning and design and a proven ability to manage a professional team and a variety of stakeholders. Used to delivering property and workplace schemes in a complex environment, you have a good understanding of corporate real estate and decant strategies too. What’s more, you're adept at using workspace design software, while managing consultants, contractors and other suppliers also comes naturally to you, as does preparing and assessing tenders and managing contracts and budgets.

In addition to an attractive salary, the benefits package include the possibility of flexible working, while annual leave entitlement starts at 30 days per year and increases with length of service. There are also subsidised canteens and a gym on-site and a season ticket loan scheme is available.