Head of Maintenance, Engineering & Infrastructure
Location: Aston University Main Campus
Salary: £59,390 to £89,730per annum
Grade: Grade 10
ContractType: Permanent
Basis: Full Time
ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 20 November 2026
InterviewDate: Friday 11 December 2026
Reference: 1890-26
ReleaseDate: Friday 06 November 2026
Aston University is seeking an experienced leader to develop a customer-focused maintenance and infrastructure service that supports safe, reliable buildings and effective University operations.
Reporting to the Director of Estates and Capital Development, you will lead multidisciplinary teams and specialist contractors across maintenance, engineering, utilities, grounds and the Estates Helpdesk. Your remit will cover all properties and grounds for which the directorate has maintenance responsibility.
You will oversee planned and reactive maintenance, strengthen compliance assurance and emergency response, and develop costed maintenance and infrastructure investment plans. Working with Capital Projects colleagues, you will provide technical advice and ensure completed assets are ready for operational use.
Improving service quality will be central to the role. You will set clear standards, develop your team and use customer feedback, asset information and digital systems to improve reliability, responsiveness and value. You will also evaluate opportunities for responsible automation and AI where these offer practical benefits.
About you
You will bring:
Senior leadership experience across building fabric and engineering services within a complex, occupied estate.
Experience managing statutory compliance, budgets, utilities, specialist contracts, emergency response and business continuity.
A record of improving customer experience and service performance, including implementing digital systems or automated workflows.
Inclusive leadership, sound technical judgement and the ability to provide clear risk advice and investment recommendations to senior decision-makers.
A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification, substantial relevant experience, appropriate professional membership or equivalent standing, and a recognised health and safety qualification or equivalent demonstrable competence supported by training.
Experience in higher education or another complex operational environment is desirable, as is Chartered or Incorporated professional registration.
You will maintain a visible presence across the estate and participate in the formal out-of-hours on-call rota, including attending campus when required under agreed arrangements.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family friendly policies.
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here .
Aston University may be able to sponsor those who are already on a Skilled Worker Visa issued before 22 July 2025. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
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Head of Maintenance, Engineering & Infrastructure in Birmingham employer: Aston
Aston University is an attractive employer due to its strong emphasis on professional development and a collaborative work culture. The university is dedicated to supporting both staff and students, ensuring a positive and impactful educational environment. With a focus on student wellbeing and academic integrity, Aston offers unique opportunities for growth and engagement.
