Head of Capital Programme

• Reports to: Director of Design, Estate & Capital Programmes
• Department: Projects
• Line Management: x4 Project Managers
• Principal Location: South Kensington
• Hours :36
• Salary: £80,000
• Work pattern: Minimum 3 days a week on site
• Contract: Full time

Who we are

The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Our mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. We share a 5,000-year-old story of creativity through exhibitions, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation, research, and an ever-evolving national collection of over 2.8m objects spanning every creative discipline.

It could not be a more exciting time to join the V&A. As well as the opening of two new sites in East London, we have big plans to develop our galleries and other public spaces in our iconic historic buildings. The Head of Capital Programme will work closely with the Director of Design, Estate and Capital Programmes, setting the vision for the next phase of FuturePlan, the V&A’s programme of renewal and refurbishment.

Projects Team

The team sits within the Design, Estate and Capital Programmes Division (DECP). The department is a centre of expertise and excellence in project delivery and is responsible for developing, managing and delivering an ambitious programme of capital projects at the V&A known as FuturePlan.

Working with the best architects and designers, including our own in-house studio, we are ensuring the museum remains vital and relevant by transforming our galleries and visitor facilities, and celebrating our exceptional heritage architecture. The scale, complexity and value of projects across the museum spans a vast range - from light-touch refresh of back of house spaces to whole-scale construction of new galleries, each bringing significant opportunities and challenges for the museum, its staff and visitors. The department is committed to bringing the same level of rigour and quality to every initiative.  

About the role

The Head of Capital Programme, working in close partnership with the Director of Design, Estate and Capital Programmes, is responsible for the strategic planning, programming and delivery of all work-streams within the V&A’s capital programme. The post-holder will have oversight and contribute to the vision of all FuturePlan projects as well as other projects across the entirety of the museum’s estate. As the rolling programme of FuturePlan grows and projects become ever more complex, key to success will be excellent project and programme management skills.

The post holder will possess creativity and innovative thinking, with the ability to provide insightful design critique and effectively communicate design concepts visually.

The Head of Capital Programme will lead a team of internal Project Managers and will plan, budget, communicate and lead the capital programme at all stages. They are responsible for developing and maintaining robust project management processes, ensuring projects are monitored, controlled and delivered to client specification.

Working closely and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, they will lead and manage the team to ensure projects are programmed, resourced and delivered effectively and to the highest standard. The post-holder will have a wide-ranging remit, having oversight of multi-disciplinary design teams and contractors.

Key parts of the role include financial management, resource management and ensuring all project related activities are aligned. The role requires strong stakeholder management and analytical skills.

Main responsibilities

• Act as ‘client’ for the V&A with overall responsibility for the delivery of capital projects, to agreed time and budget;
• Develop, lead and manage programmes and strategic risk registers for all capital projects including major capital works, smaller-scale refurbishments, and other initiatives at the V&A;
• Work with colleagues across the whole organisation to manage resource and align activities, supporting effective project progression from concept to handover;
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure that external consultants and contractors necessary to deliver the project are managed effectively;
• Participate in, report to, and consult as required internal and external stakeholder groups, such as FuturePlan Steering Group, Net Zero 2035 Programme Board, Executive Board and Buildings Strategy Committee;
• Work closely with the Director of Design, Estate and Capital Programme alongside the Head of Estate, Head of Design and Head of Sustainability to manage and develop the DECP division as a Senior Management Team;
• Ensure all projects adhere to all statutory and regulatory requirements, policies and procedures;
• Lead, support and mentor a team of project managers and coordinators to deliver high quality outcomes throughout the design process in a high-pressure delivery environment;
• Hold responsibility for the allocation of the Projects' team resources, as well as external Project Managers and consultants as necessary;
• Lead on financial management, developing robust financial processes for setting, managing cost plans and forecasting across the project portfolio.  
• Working closely with Project Managers and the Finance team, oversee all project budgets, monitoring and reporting spend across the project portfolio to inform decisions and planning, ensure effective delivery;
• Manage procurement processes across the portfolio, working closely with the Head of Procurement. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience of delivering a major portfolio of diverse projects, preferably in the broader cultural and/or heritage sector;
• Strong strategic planning, risk management and programming skills with demonstrable experience of overseeing the delivery of multiple projects at any one time;
• Demonstrable experience of complex construction and fit-out management in a high-pressure environment;
• Significant experience of managing multi-disciplinary teams of consultants with the ability to influence, develop and motivate;
• Excellent resource management skills, with ability to set and manage budgets in excess of £10m and ensure that expenditure targets are met, and costs are managed within budgets;
• Advanced knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements including a commitment to sustainable and safe ways of working;
• Demonstrable skills in a construction discipline and a sound understanding of project delivery within a listed estate;
• Highly effective and confident leader, with personal presence and an ability to lead and develop a team whilst being inclusive. Successful track record in getting the most out of project teams;
• Ability to successfully influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders to senior management level, taking on board conflicting priorities and complex detail;
• Proven problem solver and strategic thinker with an ability to view complex problems holistically and make decisions based on the bigger picture, while gaining good understanding of the detail;
• Brings a strong industry network and a deep understanding of design, the design process and the roles within a design team, along with valuable connections that can enhance project success;
• Possess creativity and innovative thinking, with the ability to provide insightful design critique;
• Sophisticated communication skills - visual, verbal and written;
• Shares our Values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration & Generosity.

Why work here

We strive to integrate equality, diversity, and inclusion consistently and naturally into all our activities.

We are proud to be an open, tolerant, and diverse organisation. We want to do more to welcome a broader audience and develop a more diverse workforce.

​We work closely with our staff networks to develop our employee experience.

The V&A values are Equity, Sustainability, Generosity, Collaboration and Creativity.

We are committed to a strict zero tolerance policy on any discrimination, harassment or bullying.​

Disability Confident
We are committed to guaranteeing an interview for applicants who declare they
have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

What we offer you

• 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
• 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution (post-probation)​
• Life assurance scheme (to value of 4 x annual salary)​
• Family-friendly policies
• e.g. enhanced maternity + paid carers leave​
• An interest-free loan for a travelcard, bike, or for a deposit if you’re renting (post-probation)​
• Free sanitary products for all employees across our sites​
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions​
• Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers
• Socials events, such as staff summer and Christmas parties​
• An Employee Assistance Programme – free and confidential services to provide support
• Tickets to V&A exhibitions for you, your friends or family + 25% discount on V&A shops and cafes​

What next

Apply here Vacancies at the V&A · V&A

Application Deadline: 31st March 2025

​We operate anonymous shortlisting at the V&A. This means that the manager cannot see your name, contact information, or equality data when shortlisting your application.​

​We are a Disability Confident Employer offering guaranteed interviews to those who declare their disability and meet the job criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme.

First round interviews: 10th and 11th April  2025                                                                       

Any Questions? Contact our Recruitment team at careers@vam.ac.uk​