Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead campus operations and facilities services across diverse university estates.
- Company: Join the University of Reading, a top UK institution with a century-long legacy in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, a strong pension plan, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of campus operations in a beautiful, inspiring environment with a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in estate leadership and managing large operational budgets over £10 million is essential.
- Other info: Applications close on Sunday 22nd June 2025; apply now to make an impact!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Campus Operations Director to lead the delivery of outstanding campus and facilities services across the University’s diverse estate portfolio. The University has been at the forefront of UK Higher Education for nearly a century, enjoying a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise.
Key to the University’s success is its estate portfolio - the campuses in Reading and Henley have regularly been voted one of the best university green spaces in the UK, serving over 19,000 students and nearly 4,000 staff. Occupying three beautiful campuses ranging from the urban utopia of London Road, the peaceful parkland of Whiteknights to the riverside retreat of Greenlands, the unique "University in a Park" setting is an inspiring place to work.
The University has a significant operational estate portfolio consisting of more than 200 buildings and over 250,000m2 of space, spanning academic, research, enterprise, sport, recreation and residential buildings and facilities. It also has an investment portfolio comprising a diverse variety of land and property including commercial, residential, innovation & enterprise, research & development, industrial, retail and rural space. There are over 500 tenants ranging from multi-national corporations to individual partners.
A rare opportunity has arisen to shape the future of Campus Operations provision at the University. Reporting to the Director of Estates, the Campus Operations Director leads a department spanning Hard FM (Planned Maintenance, Reactive Maintenance, and Gardens & Grounds) and Soft FM (Security, Cleaning, Post, Portering, and Building Support) across the campus and estate portfolio.
Leading the department involves fostering teamwork and instilling the 'One Estates' ethos, emphasising collaboration across the Directorate. The Director of Campus Operations is accountable for ensuring FM services are fit for purpose, customer-focused, innovative, compliant with legislation, and promote best practice. Delivering the Maintenance Plan on time and within budget, reducing backlog maintenance, aligning maintenance activities with the Decarbonisation Plan and improving HESA condition ratings are key objectives.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in estate leadership roles, managing large-scale operational property portfolios with budgets exceeding £10 million. They will possess a specific track record in leading performance improvements across estates operations functions, as well as the ability to oversee a portfolio of soft FM services. Experience in environments with comparable characteristics to those found at the University, including 24/7 operational settings, diverse property and facility types, and complex processes, is essential.
We are seeking an individual that has senior-level leadership experience within complex organisations, with a proven ability to inspire and lead a substantial in-house staff cohort, ranging from senior managers to operational professionals. They will possess excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, coupled with a dynamic yet collaborative disposition.
The University of Reading offers a compelling benefits package including the exceptional USS pension, generous annual leave (40 days including university closure days and public holidays), a strong commitment to employee health and wellbeing and access to various optional benefits.
Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and supporting statement. The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Contact Detail:
The Management Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Campus Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Reading's estate portfolio and its unique features. Understanding the specific campuses and their operational needs will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University, especially those in facilities management or operations roles. They can provide valuable insights into the campus culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing large-scale operational property portfolios. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved performance in similar environments, as this will be crucial for the Campus Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with the 'One Estates' ethos. Think about ways you've fostered collaboration and teamwork in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the values of the University of Reading.
We think you need these skills to ace Campus Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Campus Operations Director position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the University of Reading.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly articulate your leadership experience and how it relates to managing large-scale operational property portfolios. Use specific examples to demonstrate your track record in performance improvements and stakeholder management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in environments similar to those at the University, such as 24/7 operational settings and diverse property types. Make sure to include any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead teams and manage budgets effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Management Recruitment Group
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University of Reading's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision for campus operations aligns with their goals, especially in terms of sustainability and enhancing student experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles, particularly those involving large-scale operational property portfolios. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance in similar environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in facilities management and how you overcame them, particularly in 24/7 operational settings.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
The role requires fostering a 'One Estates' ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you have previously encouraged collaboration across departments and how you plan to instil this culture within the Campus Operations team.
