Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience

Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MRG Global

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Soft FM services and enhance Campus experience across a vibrant scientific research estate.
  • Company: Join the Wellcome Genome Campus, a global leader in genomics and biodata science.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Exciting expansion underway, with a focus on community engagement and innovation.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative phase, shaping a world-class life sciences destination.
  • Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in Soft FM and strong contract management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Wellcome Genome Campus Ltd (WGCL) is seeking to appoint a Head of Soft FM and Campus Experience to play a central leadership role in the operation, transformation and development of one of the world’s most renowned scientific research campuses. The Wellcome Genome Campus is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for genomics and biodata science, home to the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). Over 2,500 people work across the existing one‑million‑square‑foot estate, which includes laboratories, research facilities, offices, conference and hospitality venues, a hotel, gym, nursery, residential accommodation, and extensive landscaped grounds across a beautiful 135‑acre environment.

The Campus is entering a major new phase. A significant expansion programme—planning approved in 2021—will see the estate grow from 125 acres to 440 acres, delivering 1.6 million sq ft of new research and tech space for genomics and bioinformatics activities, alongside hotel accommodation, housing for Campus colleagues, retail, food and drink, leisure, health, and education amenities, and new infrastructure. This expansion is underway now, with enabling and highways works progressing and the first new buildings due on site in 2025.

WGCL is the newly formed organisation leading both the Campus and its long‑term transformation. This is an exceptional moment for an experienced Soft FM leader to join during a period of strategic growth, change and opportunity.

Reporting to the WGCL Estates Director, the Head of Soft FM and Campus Experience is a newly created role to lead all Soft FM services and the delivery of Campus experience across a complex, high‑profile, mixed‑use estate. The position will be responsible for the full suite of Soft FM activity—including catering, cleaning, waste, nursery, gym, security, landscaping, transport and related services—delivered through outsourced partners. Your remit will include operational leadership, performance management, compliance, continuous improvement, innovation and the uplift of customer and occupier experience.

In addition, you will oversee the Campus Experience and Events function, delivering a vibrant programme of events, hospitality, activation and community engagement that enhances daily life for staff, occupiers, residents and visitors. You will also play a key role in supporting the commercialisation and activation of both the existing estate and the Campus expansion, contributing to the development of a world‑class life sciences destination.

We are seeking a customer-focused individual with substantial experience in senior Soft FM leadership across complex, multi‑use estates, with a proven track record of delivering strategic FM change and driving operational excellence. The successful candidate will bring strong contract‑management capability, ensuring value for money, compliance, performance uplift and continuous improvement across multiple outsourced service lines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and to operate effectively within a dynamic, evolving environment.

Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience employer: MRG Global

Wellcome Genome Campus Ltd (WGCL) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead Soft FM services in a vibrant and expanding scientific research environment. With a commitment to employee growth, WGCL fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence, while providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and amenities within a stunning 135-acre campus. Join us during this transformative phase and be part of a team dedicated to enhancing the experience of over 2,500 staff and visitors in one of the world's leading centres for genomics and biodata science.

MRG Global

Contact Details:

MRG Global Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Wellcome Genome Campus. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in Soft FM leadership. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and improved customer experiences in previous roles.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to the Wellcome Genome Campus and express your interest in the Head of Soft FM and Campus Experience role. A personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry trends! Keep an eye on developments in Soft FM and campus management, especially with the expansion at the Wellcome Genome Campus. Being knowledgeable about the latest trends will help you stand out in conversations and interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience

Soft FM Leadership
Operational Leadership
Performance Management
Compliance
Continuous Improvement
Customer Experience Enhancement
Contract Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Executive Lead, Soft FM & Campus Experience. Highlight your leadership in Soft FM services and any relevant achievements in operational excellence.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading Soft FM services at the Wellcome Genome Campus.

Showcase Your Soft Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. We want to see how you can influence stakeholders and enhance the campus experience for everyone involved!

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 shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MRG Global

Know Your Soft FM Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Soft FM services. Understand the nuances of catering, cleaning, waste management, and all the other areas mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also well-prepared for it.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leadership, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you drove operational excellence or managed change effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Engage with Campus Experience

Since the role involves enhancing the Campus experience, come prepared with ideas on how to improve community engagement and event programming. This shows that you’re proactive and have a vision for the role. Research any current events or initiatives at the Wellcome Genome Campus to reference during your interview.

Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions

Given the need for excellent interpersonal skills, anticipate questions about how you would handle various stakeholders. Think about your approach to influencing others and managing relationships, especially in a dynamic environment. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex stakeholder landscapes in previous roles.