Interim Head of Facilities Management in Kilmarnock

Full time, Fixed term for 2 years. Competitive Salary based on experience. Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full‑time staff.

About Heriot‑Watt University

Heriot‑Watt University is a distinctive, research‑led institution with a truly global footprint. With campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, and a growing portfolio of international partnerships, the University is operating within an increasingly complex academic, regulatory and commercial landscape. With a history dating back to 1821 and as the University continues to evolve its global operating model and develop future partnerships, the effectiveness of its estates and facilities has never been more critical.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Global Director of Estates and Facilities, the Interim Head of Facilities Management will lead the strategic and operational delivery of Facilities Management services across a multi‑campus, international estate. This role sits at the intersection of global consistency and local responsiveness, ensuring that diverse campuses and partnership environments are supported by clear standards, strong governance and high‑quality service delivery. The focus of the interim period will be on stabilising and modernising Facilities Management operations, reviewing and strengthening service delivery models, and developing a clear roadmap for a future operating model capable of supporting international campus complexity and new partnership arrangements. Working closely with academic leaders, professional services colleagues and executive stakeholders, you will ensure that Facilities Management actively supports teaching, research, student experience and collaborative activity with external partners. You will play a key role in ensuring the University’s estates are adaptable, compliant and resilient across different regulatory regimes, cultural contexts and operating environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of Facilities Management services across multiple UK and international campuses.
• Develop and implement a business improvement plan to modernise services, systems and operating models in line with global best practice in higher education.
• Establish clear, consistent standards for facilities operations, compliance and service performance across diverse international settings.
• Strengthen statutory compliance, health and safety performance and risk management across the estate, taking account of differing local regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership across maintenance, works management, compliance, fabric, landscape and environmental services.
• Manage significant operational budgets and ensure value for money across in‑house provision, contractors and partnership arrangements.
• Work closely with the Energy and Environment Operations Manager to embed sustainability and Net Zero principles across Facilities Management activities globally.
• Lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams, building capability and resilience within a complex, distributed operating model.
• Act as a senior member of the Estates and Facilities leadership team, deputising for the Global Director of Estates and Facilities as required.
• Build effective relationships with Schools, Professional Services, international campus leadership teams and external partners.

Essential Criteria

• You will be an experienced senior Estates or Facilities professional with a strong understanding of the higher education sector and the challenges of operating across international campuses and partnership models.
• Significant senior‑level experience in estates or facilities management within a large, complex organisation.
• A proven track record of leading service transformation and operational improvement, ideally within an HE or public sector context.
• Experience of working across multiple sites and jurisdictions, with an appreciation of international regulatory, cultural and operational complexity.
• In‑depth knowledge of health and safety legislation, statutory compliance and estate operations.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing substantial budgets and complex supplier and contract arrangements.
• The ability to lead and develop large, multidisciplinary teams within matrixed or distributed structures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with credibility at executive level and confidence working with international partners.
• A clear commitment to service excellence, sustainability and enabling academic and research activity.
• Degree‑level education in a relevant discipline and membership of a professional body (e.g. IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS or equivalent) are expected.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter via the Heriot‑Watt on‑line recruitment. Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 27th February 2026.

For an Informal Discussion, Please Contact Lynda Johnstone, Global Director of Estates and Facilities or Christina Lourenco, Talent Acquisition Lead.

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.