Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects in Sunderland

Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects in Sunderland

Sunderland Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Education Partnership North East

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic maintenance team and oversee technical projects across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join Education Partnership North East, a leader in educational facilities management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in Facilities Management and proven leadership experience required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

As an outstanding college, we’re looking to recruit an experienced leader with a strong background in Facilities Management and Leadership. The successful individual will take responsibility for the delivery of Estates related maintenance functions and will take an active role in delivering technical plans and projects. Responsible for staff based at multiple sites, you must be prepared to travel within the region, supporting, developing and guiding staff as required.

A good appreciation of Facilities Management HARD services is critical, as is a good understanding of the associated statutory compliance and workplace health and safety. You should have experience of leading and managing a team and be an individual who is prepared to ‘roll up their sleeves’ when required. Team working and motivating individuals within a busy environment are important factors, as is the ability to establish relationships and priorities with internal stakeholders.

Contractor selection, engagement and management will be key in delivering the department’s strategy, hence your experience should help drive contractor performance whilst a keen eye for detail and financial spend will ensure a quality product is delivered on time, every time. Reporting into the Director of Capital Projects and Estates, you will have the opportunity to be involved in shaping the department’s strategy in addition to taking a leading role in technical project delivery.

Previous experience of change, performance and project management are essential, as is a track record in ‘making a difference’. The post requires someone with experience, commitment, flexibility and resilience as EPNE continues its journey towards excellence. Excellent communication and IT skills coupled with a focus on delivery, staff development and departmental team working are a ‘must’ as all roads lead to delivering an outstanding experience for our students.

About the Role

  • Lead and develop a team with the required skills, training and knowledge required to prioritise and deliver a quality service / product effectively and efficiently.
  • Ensure technical standards and compliance are maintained to the highest level across all Education Partnership North East sites.
  • Lead in the delivery of Technical Projects and assist other staff members in the delivery of non-Technical Projects as and when required.
  • Lead and guide a team to deliver departmental improvements in processes, performance and working practices.
  • Manage and promote all aspects of health and safety, ensuring all work is safely completed.
  • Develop a ‘right first time’ culture both with in-house resource and contracted staff, ensuring limitations and expected standards are explicit.
  • Accept responsibility for the cost-effective delivery of the estates service including the delivery of refurbishments and projects within agreed budgetary limits.

Role Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the maintenance team to provide an in-house first line level of technical support and guidance to all members of the estates team operating across the region.
  • Lead in ensuring all Education Partnership North East owned and leased sites achieve statutory compliance / best practice guidance with respect to both mechanical and electrical plant and equipment.
  • Work closely with the Estates Director in the delivery of the estates service including technical projects – achieving high quality results cost effectively.
  • Provide leadership and direction to managers / team leaders / staff within estates through regular communication forums including briefing sessions, toolbox talks and 1 to 1’s.
  • Promote the support and development of staff through appraisal, training and development programmes.
  • Assist in the preparation, assessment and issuing of tenders for major projects of work, supervise installation works and complete and snag off the resulting contracts to a specified quality.
  • Manage contractor relationships to maintain high levels of service and response times whilst adhering to the college’s financial guidelines.
  • Ensure all appointed contractors comply with college requirements in terms of health and safety, insurance and safe systems of work.

Qualifications

  • CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership / ILM Level 5 to 7 Leadership and Management
  • Prince 2 / Agile PM for Leaders.
  • Level 2 Qualifications in Maths and English
  • Health & Safety Qualification – NEBOSH / IOSH
  • A valid driving licence
  • Served a recognised apprenticeship in an appropriate technical discipline

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Strong technical knowledge of equipment employed within Facilities Management HARD services
  • Proven experience within a Senior Leadership role ideally within Facilities Management or a similarly technical position
  • Experience of building, developing and operating high performance teams within a complex environment
  • Track record of delivering business efficiencies and savings through the deployment of technology-based solutions.
  • Ability to develop and deploy business processes, specifically targeted towards an operational environment
  • Health and Safety focussed with experience of managing Health and Safety within a challenging environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

  • Good understanding of statutory compliance within an Educational environment
  • Overseeing a comprehensive technical project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business priorities and resource capacity

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (Excluding Term Time Only contracts). Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role. Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive. Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects in Sunderland employer: Education Partnership North East

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and wellbeing. With a generous holiday allowance, flexible working options, and extensive wellbeing support, our culture fosters growth and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in Facilities Management. Join us in shaping the future of education while enjoying unique benefits such as free gym access and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Education Partnership North East

Contact Details:

Education Partnership North East Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects in Sunderland

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Facilities Management field. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet hiring managers or team leaders, be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio if it’s relevant. This is your time to shine!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. Mention something specific about the job or the company that caught your eye. It shows you’re genuinely interested and proactive.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews like a champ! Research the company’s recent projects and challenges in the Facilities Management sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. And remember, it’s not just about answering questions; it’s also about asking insightful ones that show you’re invested in their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects in Sunderland

Facilities Management
Leadership
Technical Project Delivery
Statutory Compliance
Workplace Health and Safety
Team Management
Contractor Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Facilities Management and Leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. We love hearing about your ability to motivate and guide others!

Highlight Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical knowledge and experience with HARD services. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of facilities management, so make it clear how you fit the bill.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to Facilities Management HARD services. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've ensured compliance and safety in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the job.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your experience in leading teams, especially in a busy environment. Think of examples where you motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and how you’ve developed staff through training and appraisals.

Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience with managing technical projects. Share specific instances where you’ve delivered projects on time and within budget. Mention any methodologies you’ve used, like Prince2 or Agile, to showcase your structured approach to project management.

Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Think about how you’ve established relationships with internal stakeholders and contractors in the past. Prepare to share strategies you’ve used to ensure high levels of service and response times. This will demonstrate your ability to manage contractor relationships effectively.