At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance and minor works to support world-class research at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation making a real difference in science and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in a science-critical environment.
- Why this job: Play a key role in advancing scientific aims while ensuring safety and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in estates management and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. We seek to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, while creating an impact on a very tangible, human scale.
We are delivering this through our three strategic goals of delivering world‑class research, world‑class innovation, and world‑class skills. STFC is seeking a strategic, delivery‑focused Estates professional to lead maintenance and minor works across the South portfolio at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This is a pivotal leadership role in a science‑critical environment, ensuring the estate remains safe, compliant, resilient and ready to support world‑class research.
You will provide clear direction to in‑house maintenance and minor works teams, while setting and leading the resourcing strategy across employed capability and the procured supply chain. You’ll drive performance across both models, ensuring innovative, value‑engineered and cost‑effective services, with health and safety, compliance and environmental sustainability embedded in everything you do.
Working as a senior member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Estates North to align maintenance strategy and performance nationally, enabling a consistent STFC-wide approach. A key part of the role is preparing and presenting performance reporting and business cases at executive level, providing assurance on delivery and highlighting emerging risks and opportunities.
This would represent an ideal career move for individuals with a strong track record of setting a clear vision and inspiring their team to deliver it. We are seeking a leader who is a collaborative team player and will relish the chance to play an influential role in the advancement of our scientific aims through the effective delivery of estates.
To learn more about the role, you can view the candidate brochure at Head of Estates Operations South candidate pack. To arrange a briefing discussion, please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett or Joe Glendon at The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and can be sent to the provided email addresses. The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th March 2026.
Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell employer: MRG Global
At STFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our talented teams. Located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to health, safety, and sustainability, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on society through their work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and how your skills can help them achieve those. Tailor your responses to show you're not just a fit for the role, but also for their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and skills, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Estates Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to drive performance and innovation.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Use your supporting statement to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and contributed to health and safety compliance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision:In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking and how you plan to align maintenance strategies across the South portfolio. We want to see how you can inspire your team and drive value-engineered services.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at MRG Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Estates Operations role. Familiarise yourself with the strategic goals of the organisation and how your experience aligns with delivering world-class research and innovation.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership capabilities, especially in managing maintenance teams and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams in the past and how you plan to do so in this role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since you'll be preparing performance reports and business cases, brush up on your data analysis skills. Think about how you can present metrics that highlight your previous successes and how they relate to the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with other leaders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past, and think about how you can foster a collaborative environment at STFC.
