Global Director of Estates & Facilities in Midlothian

Role: Global Director of Estates

Own the University’s pathway to net zero across all estates, campuses and services, embedding sustainability into every commercial and operational decision with student experience front and centre; with prime objective of meeting the University’s commitment to being net zero by 2035.

Lead and be a key stakeholder in the commercialisation of the University’s real estate and partner with development partners on maximising economic value from our assets.

Assess the university’s readiness for Strategy 2035 implementation from an Estates managing through a period of change or instability.

Experience designing and implementing flexible service delivery models including the right balance of in‑house capability and a flexible partner‑delivery model, with a focus on quality, resilience and value.

Experience as senior client or Executive sponsor on major construction or infrastructure projects, with a strong track record of delivery at pace and to commercial indicators.

Significant experience of legislation and operational compliance including Health and Safety and regulatory requirements preferably within a Higher Education Sector context, or other relevant industry sector equivalents.

Demonstrable experience commercialising property or facilities assets and leveraging value from income‑generating strategies.

Experience leading decarbonisation or net zero programmes across complex built environments and services, with measurable successes.

Credibility and presence to advise at Court (Board) or executive level; able to translate technical complexity into strategic insight for non‑specialist audiences, including operational and strategic risk assessment and reporting.

Ability to develop and hold a long‑horizon strategy including a campus and location transition framework whilst maintaining relentless focus on day‑to‑day operational delivery.

Significant experience managing outsourced FM contracts and major public procurement processes; knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice.

Experience collaborating with business units including Operations, HR, Finance, and external parties with specific ability to integrate and align technology and business strategy with credibility.

Strong understanding of organisational change and operating model transformation.

Experience of working in a complex global environment and demonstrable experience of matrix management, preferably on a global level.

Demonstrable experience in strategic and operational planning at organisational level.

Desirable Criteria: Experience in higher education or similarly complex public‑sector environments with understanding of the regulatory, governance and funding frameworks.

Professional membership (e.g., MRICS, MCIBSE, CIOB, CIWFM, RIBA or equivalent) or postgraduate management qualification.

Knowledge of digital estate technologies and smart campus solutions to drive operational efficiency and decision‑making across complex estates.

Equality and Diversity: Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot‑Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.