Head of Estates and Facilites

The Role Aberystwyth University is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to strategically develop and effectively manage the university's physical infrastructure, including its buildings, grounds, farms, housing, student residences and other facilities as well as space and the property function.

The successful candidate will manage a team responsible for maintaining the university's estate to the highest standards while supporting the institution's academic mission and broader objectives.

The Head of Estates will also contribute to the leadership and development of the university's non-academic teams and operations as a senior leader in Professional Services.

The university's site includes a mix of Grade 1, Grade 2 and more Modern 1960s concrete structure buildings with older age bedrooms as part of its accommodation facilities. There are also 2 separate student housing complexes operated in partnership with third parties requiring oversight and leadership. As part of the wider portfolio there are various smaller residential properties, farms and other external assets which will be the responsibility of the postholder to maintain and plan major maintenance to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.

Key responsibilities:

• Own, develop and implement the Estates Infrastructure plan (masterplan) to meet the current and future needs of the university with a focus on improving the quality of the Estate and reducing backlog maintenance.
• Lead work to improve space utilisation to sector norms, enhancing teaching, research and professional services operational spaces.
• Promote, develop and embed environmental sustainability across sites, buildings and operations to support delivery of the University's sustainability goals.
• Play a lead role in developing and managing delivery of the capital projects programme.
• Lead on the delivery and operationalisation of the Old College Development as client representative and trusted advisor.
• Manage the university's hard facilities functions, including utilities, gas, plumbing, heating, lighting, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety systems, ensuring all university assets are safe, compliant and fit for purpose, considering funding constraints.
• Oversee and deliver a schedule of planned preventative maintenance alongside providing reactive maintenance.
• Manage the university's soft facilities function including security, compliance, cleaners, caretakers, grounds, porters, post and print room.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Simon Crick, Chief Financial Officer at

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you'll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Main Responsibilities

Buildings Strategy and Sustainability

• Own, develop and implement the Estate Infrastructure plan (masterplan) to meet the current and future needs of the university, creating a strategic programme of works.
• Promote and embed sustainability across the university's estate, buildings and operations, continually striving to deliver efficiencies and sustainability in accordance with the University Sustainability Plan.
• Lead work to improve space utilisation to sector norms, enhancing teaching, research and professional services operational spaces.
• Support the Chief Financial Officer and represent the Estates department at relevant meetings and committees.

Significant Capital Projects

• Play a lead role in managing major capital projects from inception to completion, including planning, design, procurement, and construction phases.
• Working with the Senior Project Manager on both academic and operational works, develop detailed business cases, ensuring briefs are properly defined and agreed, through to tender, engagement and onsite management of external advisors and contractors.
• Liaise with colleagues and consultant teams to monitor progress and to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget to the set quality.
• Proactively communicate with all members of the University community, keeping them updated on project progress, movement of contractors and consultants, and any potential disruption.
• Support University Executive by being the Estates Representative on the Old College Project.

Facilities Management

• Manage the University's (hard) facilities, including utilities, gas, plumbing, heating, lighting, electrical, mechanical, solar farm and compliance systems.
• Lead and arrange implementation of a programme of planned preventative maintenance to ensure the ongoing upkeep of university buildings and infrastructure.
• Oversee the effective implementation of the maintenance team, ensuring that reactive repairs are carried out swiftly and cost effectively within the Service Level Agreements set.
• Set and arrange renovation and refurbishment projects, prioritising projects based on the planned preventative maintenance schedule and compliance.
• Produce relevant Key Performance Indicators and present to the Executive as appropriate.
• Manage the university's facilities function including,

1. Cleaners, caretakers, porters, post and print room.
2. Grounds Team.
3. Security Team.
4. Compliance Team.

• Ensure both Estates and Faculty staff comply with regulatory requirements and health & safety standards with regards to the estate.

Financial and Project Management

• Manage the maintenance, compliance, and refurbishment budgets, ensuring prudent use of resources and delivery of cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure capital projects comply with Financial/Contract Standing Orders and are spent to their allocation.
• Co-ordinate and contract with a range of external suppliers, developing long term relationships and overseeing the quality and cost effectiveness of their work.

Leadership, Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide strong leadership and direction to the Estates team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• As a Senior member of staff and representative of the Estates Department, contribute to University wide operational planning, collaborating closely with other operational leaders, academic departments, staff, students and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a member of the university's Critical Incident Response Team and play a key role in supporting one off and regular large events such as Open Days, Clearing and Graduations.
• Communicate effectively and build positive relationships across the University Community.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University's Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University's Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you are - Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required Essential

1. A proven track record of successfully managing a complex estate, including maintenance, renovations and capital projects, ideally with knowledge of heritage buildings. Familiarity with an educational and farming setting would be a plus.
2. A relevant professional qualification (e.g. in engineering/as a quantity surveyor) or equivalent experience together with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
3. Experience and knowledge of Public Sector Regulations including tendering, procurement, costing and liaison with contractors and professional consultants in relation to buildings projects.
4. Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation.
5. Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff including coaching and mentoring.
6. Knowledge of health & safety regulations, building codes and compliance requirements.
7. Exceptional communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
8. Strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively and problem-solve effectively.
9. A genuine commitment to sustainability and stewardship and development of a historic site to meet the needs of a University Community.
10. Commitment to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion within the workplace
11. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

1. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C2.

More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

How to apply To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through . You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 36 . click apply for full job details