Head of Estates and Facilities in Aberystwyth

The Role

Aberystwyth University is seeking a reliable and innovative individual who will be responsible for the strategic management, development and operation of the University’s estates and facilities portfolio. The postholder will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be a member of the Professional Services Senior Leadership Team. They will provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Aberystwyth University’s estate, facilities, and property portfolio, ensuring that buildings, grounds, infrastructure, and associated services support the University’s academic mission, student experience and long-term strategic objectives. The postholder will lead the planning, development, maintenance and sustainability of the University’s physical assets while ensuring compliance, value for money and excellent customer service.

The successful candidate will manage a team who are responsible for maintaining and developing the university’s estate while supporting the institution’s strategy and broader objectives. The Head of Estates will also contribute to the leadership and development of the University as a senior leader.

The University’s site includes a mix of Grade 1, Grade 2 and 1960s concrete structure buildings, including unique developments, such as the Old College project. 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.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Gwawr Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at gwt4@aber.ac.uk.

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.

• Lead and implement the Estates Infrastructure plan to meet the current and future needs of the University, and present the strategy and vision to key stakeholders;
• Strategic leadership for space utilisation, enhancing teaching, research and professional services operational spaces;
• To 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 capital projects programme;
• Provide strategic leadership on the delivery and operationalisation of the Old College development as client representative and trusted advisor, reporting and providing assurance to the University Executive and University Council, as required;
• Advise senior management on estates-related risks, opportunities and investment priorities;
• Manage the University’s hard facilities functions including, but not exclusively, utilities, gas, plumbing, heating, lighting, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety systems, ensuring all university assets are safe, compliant and fit for purpose;
• Oversee and deliver a schedule of planned preventative maintenance alongside providing reactive maintenance;
• Drive continuous improvement in service standards and operational efficiency;
• Manage the University’s soft facilities function including security, statutory compliance, cleaners, caretakers, grounds, porters, post and print room.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across the Estates and Facilities portfolio, ensuring a high-performing, customer-focused culture, which operates effectively and efficiently;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and health & safety standards across all areas of their responsibility and ensure work is prioritised based on appropriate risk assessments.
• Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for business continuity, emergency response and resilience of the University’s estate and infrastructure
• 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

1. A proven track record of successfully managing a complex estate, including maintenance, renovations and capital projects.
2. A relevant professional qualification (e.g. in engineering/as a quantity surveyor) or equivalent experience.
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.
6. Knowledge of health & safety regulations, building codes and compliance requirements.
7. Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
8. A 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. Knowledge and understanding of heritage buildings.
2. Familiarity with an educational and farming setting.
3. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B2, or a willingness to learn.*

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

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

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working
• 36.5 - hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements - 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Please keep reading

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.

Under the points-based system, this role meets the criteria to be sponsored by AU for an SWR application. Please be advised that AU will only support the Certificate of Sponsorship for any employment visas and will not support the payment of the employment visa for the offered candidate and/or dependants.

Any prospective candidates coming to work for AU under the SWR will require a minimum of 70 points, made up of the following:

• Skilled Worker Route Points-Based System
• Points
• Meets (Yes / No)
• Mandatory / Non-tradeable Criteria (50 points) - A job offer from a UK licensed sponsor - 20 points - Yes
• Job is above the minimum sponsorable skill level - 20 points - Yes
• Appointed candidate to have appropriate knowledge of the English language* - 10 points - Yes
• Total = 50 points
• Tradeable Criteria (dependent on candidate appointed)
• Salary meets minimum threshold - 20 points
• The candidate holds a PhD in a subject relevant to the job - 10 points
• The candidate holds a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job - 20 points
• The advertised role is on the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) - 20 points

• A national of a majority English speaking country
• Having an academic degree taught in English (if an overseas degree, must be verified by NARIC)
• Completing and passing an English language test at Level B1 or above.

For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa