Job description

About the Role

Aberystwyth University seeks a dependable and forward-thinking leader to oversee the strategic management, development, and daily operation of its estates and facilities. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and serving as a key member of the Professional Services Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will ensure the university's buildings, grounds, infrastructure, and associated services align effectively with its academic goals, student experiences, and long-term plans. This leadership role encompasses stewardship of the university’s physical assets, including a variety of heritage and modern structures, as well as diverse residential, agricultural, and external properties.

Key Responsibilities

Direct the Estates Infrastructure plan to meet present and future university requirements, communicating strategy to stakeholders.
Provide strategic oversight for space utilization to enhance teaching, research, and operational environments.
Lead the promotion and integration of environmental sustainability initiatives across all sites and operations.
Supervise capital project delivery and be the primary advisor and client representative for the Old College development.
Advise senior leadership on risks, opportunities, and investment priorities related to estates.
Manage the university's hard facilities including utilities, heating, lighting, mechanical and fire safety systems ensuring compliance and operational readiness.
Coordinate planned preventative and reactive maintenance schedules.
Drive continual service improvements and operational efficiencies.
Oversee soft facilities operations covering security, cleaning, caretaking, groundskeeping, portering, post, and print services.
Lead multidisciplinary teams fostering a customer-centric and high-performance culture.
Ensure compliance with health & safety and regulatory standards, prioritizing tasks through risk assessments.
Implement business continuity, emergency response, and resilience plans for estate and infrastructure.
Champion equal opportunities and diversity policies within the team and broader workplace.
Commit to personal and staff development via the university's Effective Contribution Scheme.
Perform additional duties consistent with the role's seniority as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Demonstrated success managing complex estates, including maintenance, renovations, and capital projects.
Relevant professional qualification such as engineering or quantity surveying, or comparable experience.
Understanding of public sector regulations, including tendering, procurement, costing, and contractor engagement.
Strong financial skills with experience in budgeting, planning, and resource management.
Proven leadership and team management capabilities to inspire and motivate staff.
Familiarity with health & safety legislation, building codes, and compliance requirements.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
Strategic thinker with creativity and problem-solving skills.
Genuine commitment to sustainability and stewardship of historic university sites.
Dedication to promoting workplace diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Awareness of bilingual work environment needs and relevant support procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of heritage building management.
Experience with educational or agricultural environments.
Welsh language proficiency at B2 level or willingness to gain it.

Additional Information

The university supports various working arrangements including full-time, part-time, and job sharing, promoting a flexible workforce. The position involves a 36.5-hour full-time workweek with hybrid working options to support flexibility. The salary range is £59,966 to £67,468 annually, based on experience and qualifications. The postholder must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Successful applicants may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK's Skilled Worker Route; however, sponsorship does not cover visa fees.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working policies to promote work-life balance.
Generous leave entitlement including 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closure days.
Commitment to professional development and ongoing learning.
Enhanced contributions to workplace pension schemes.
Recognition and reward programs.
Access to free Welsh language learning opportunities.
Support for staff relocation.
Comprehensive parental leave options.
Discounts for campus gym, hospitality, and retail services.

Head of Estates and Facilities