Senior Project Manager Campus Development

INSEAD’s strategically focused Campus Development department is responsible for the economically and environmentally sustainable development of INSEAD’s campuses to meet the ever-changing needs of world class research and business education, both now and in the future.

In the context of a major reimagination of our internationally renowned campus in Fontainebleau, France, and further projects across our other locations in the coming decade, we are looking to hire a Senior Project Manager, Campus Development to lead and coordinate the project and ensure on time and on budget delivery. This is a permanent and full-time position that will be based at our Europe Campus in Fontainebleau, France, with the flexibility of two teleworking days per week.

About the Job

Reporting to the Director of Campus Development, you will lead a €300 million, 10-year master plan to reimagine our Europe Campus at INSEAD. Our Campus Development department strategically focuses on economically and environmentally sustainable campus development to meet the evolving needs of world-class research and business education.

In this role, you will spearhead the major reimagination project for our renowned campus in Fontainebleau, France, as well as upcoming projects across our other locations over the next decade. Your primary responsibility will be to coordinate and oversee this initiative, ensuring it is delivered on time and within budget.

This work involves conducting detailed analysis, planning, and design phases for our Fontainebleau campus, obtaining internal and regulatory approvals from our Legal and Finance departments for project financing and construction, managing procurement processes, overseeing construction and landscape projects, and facilitating the handover of completed facilities to Campus Services and IT departments.

As an individual contributor in this role, you will also manage relationships with many external vendors to ensure successful project execution and delivery. This opportunity offers a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of INSEAD’s campuses and supporting our mission of excellence in education and research.

Your Responsibilities

Campus Master Plan

• Develop and maintain architectural, technical, and landscaping master plans
• Ensure consistency across the mission, strategy of the school and the physical manifestation
• Provide longitudinal steadiness and flexibility along the master plan execution: ensuring that our facilities connect the history and heritage of INSEAD with our future

Project Management

• Supervise a diverse group of internal and external constituents, strong collaboration with the Campus Operations and IT teams internally
• Serve as the primary point of contact for AMO/MOD, MOE, Promoteur, Entreprises travaux, and other stakeholders throughout the project
• Choose the right partners for the project through well executed RFP process
• Oversee contract negotiations, review contract documents, and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate from the needs analysis, programming through studies and execution of construction, and start of operation
• Develop and maintain project schedules, identify critical path activities, and proactively address schedule delays or deviations to keep projects on track
• Implement quality assurance processes to monitor and maintain the highest standards of construction and craftsmanship throughout the project lifecycle
• Drive health and safety culture for safe construction in an operating environment

Cross-Functional Coordination and Communication

• Operate within the school’s complex governance structure: bring the organisation to decision in topics with high uncertainty, long-term horizon, significant budget consequences and intertwined and often conflicting needs
• Serve as the key point of contact for authorities, external and internal stakeholders on INSEAD’s campus development projects
• Internal contacts include faculty, staff, students / participants, end user departments (Advancement, Finance, FP&A, Degree Programme, Executive Education), and/or operations teams
• External-internals include the Board and its subcommittees, or individual alumni
• External parties (close to 100 external vendors) include the planners, architects, suppliers, builders, local authorities, regulatory bodies, etc.
• Participate in donor discussions and fundraising events

Budgeting and Risk Management

• Execute on the approved budget and provide regular forecasts
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, without compromising quality
• Proactively minimise operational, health, safety and financial risks, continuously verify the financial situation, monitor budgets, respect contractual commitments, insurance policies, and provide regular reporting
• Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that projects proceed smoothly and without major setbacks

Requirements

• Master's degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Strong background in project management within the real estate industry, with a proven track record of successfully delivering high-quality complex developments on time and within budget
• Preferably 7 years of work experience with a minimum of 5 years experience in Real Estate Development industry, and a minimum of 2 years in a Project Management / Maitrise d’Ouvrage position : AMO/MOD/MOA/Promotion
• Is well versed in architecture, engineering, regulatory, and economics subjects of construction projects in France
• Has excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and motivate project teams
• Strong understanding of real estate development processes, including zoning regulations, permitting requirements, and construction methodologies
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM, etc.), passion for sustainability in and around architecture, keen interest in natural landscape (due to Fontainebleau Forest), and broad international perspective are a strong plus
• Meticulous and organised in the review of documentation to identify potential inconsistencies or deviations.

INSEAD is a mission driven institution, with a complex governance structure, that is typical of higher education institutions. The candidate’s communication, team building, and project management skills are just as valuable than direct architecture, engineering or construction experience.

Why join INSEAD

• Global Presence: INSEAD operates across Europe (Fontainebleau), Asia (Singapore), North America (San Francisco) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), offering exposure to diverse cultures and business environments.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The institution values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates different perspectives, creating a vibrant community of learners and professionals.
• Innovative Environment: INSEAD is at the forefront of business education, promoting innovation and pushing boundaries in teaching, research, and curriculum development.
• Impactful Research: Joining INSEAD means contributing to cutting-edge research that addresses real-world business challenges and informs industry practices.
• Networking Opportunities: INSEAD's extensive alumni network and global partnerships provide unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and career advancement.
• Professional Growth: Working at INSEAD offers exposure to top-tier faculty, industry leaders, and a wealth of resources that support continuous learning and career development.
• Prestige and Recognition: INSEAD is consistently ranked among the top business schools worldwide, providing employees with a prestigious platform to excel and make a significant impact in the business community.
• Mission-Driven: INSEAD's mission to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society aligns with the values and aspirations of talented professionals seeking purpose-driven careers.

If you are interested, please apply with a copy of your CV and cover letter (in English) attached.

Diversity is one of INSEAD’s founding values and as such we commit to cultivating a community that pursues equity, exemplifies inclusion and cherishes diversity in all its dimensions. Our jobs are open to all talents, so apply and join us

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.