Head of Lifecycle Management and Minor Works in Sheffield

The Department of Estates and Facilities Management (EFM) at the University of Sheffield is responsible for maintaining the University’s buildings, facilities and grounds, managing its property and facilities and procuring new buildings. The EFM team is at the forefront of the University’s strategic programmes – planning, managing and delivering developments. The Head of Lifecycle Management & Minor Works is a critical senior leadership post within the Development, Space & Property team, responsible for the strategic management and operational delivery of the University’s infrastructure replacement portfolio, including the £14 million annual Capital Backlog Programme.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Programme Management & Asset Lifecycle: Lead the strategic planning and operational delivery of the Capital Backlog Programme. Co‑ordinate the asset lifecycle plans and utilise asset condition data to inform the prioritisation of all lifecycle replacement schedules. Collaborate with the Head of Estates PMO & Head of Capital Projects to ensure that asset condition and lifecycle data is accurately integrated into the central reporting framework. Act as the primary technical authority for Building Surveying and M&E, providing expert oversight. Manage key surveying activities, including property condition reporting, pre‑acquisition/disposal surveys, and the strategic management of the University’s Accessibility Improvement Programme.
• Project Delivery: Lead on the timely delivery of minor works projects across the estate, ensuring all projects are scoped, executed, and completed within budget and time constraints. Implement and manage appropriate delivery mechanisms, including frameworks for specialist contractors where appropriate. Provide expert technical authority for Building Surveying and M&E issues, diagnosing complex building issues, identifying defects, and defining remediation strategies. Complete the University’s statutory duties as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor (where required) under CDM 2015 for the Minor Works and Capital Backlog Programmes. Ensure all projects are designed and delivered in full compliance with all relevant statutory legislation.
• Financial Management & Governance: Develop, manage, and control significant capital and revenue budgets dedicated to the Infrastructure and Capital Backlog Programmes. Implement robust project and financial management processes to track performance, manage risk, and achieve strategic objectives. Lead colleagues to formulate business cases and requirements for capital build, refurbishment and maintenance projects. Prepare and present progress, risk, and audit reports for the Minor Works and Capital Backlog Programmes to Executive and University Governance groups. Undertake Post Project Reviews for a sample of projects each year, present findings and implement improvements.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and technical mentorship to internal project delivery. Manage external consultants and specialist service providers for technical input, surveying, and works delivery. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

• Construction‑related Degree, or equivalent experience, in Building Surveying, Construction, or an M&E discipline.
• Membership of a recognised professional body e.g. RICS, CIOB, CIBSE, IET.
• Proven experience in managing complex programmes (lifecycle, M&E replacement etc) in a large, diverse property portfolio in line with CDM requirements.
• Strong, evidenced experience in developing and managing capital and revenue budgets for dedicated programmes.
• Proven experience in leading / managing multi‑disciplinary project teams, including internal staff and external consultants/contractors in a client‑side role.
• Accredited construction‑specific Health & Safety qualification, eg NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety.
• Advanced knowledge of statutory legislation, CDM 2015 Regulations, building contracts, procurement processes, and industry best practice relevant to minor works and backlog programmes.
• Demonstrable strategic leadership and decision‑making skills with the ability to manage risk and provide expert guidance to senior management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare and present high quality strategic reports and complex information to non‑specialist audiences within the University and to external stakeholders.
• Well‑developed skills for solving complex technical and project‑related problems with an appreciation of long‑term lifecycle implications, and the ability to promote and develop problem‑solving skills in others.

Benefits

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development and access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.

Equal Opportunities

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.