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- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality maintenance services and shape long-term building strategies.
- Company: Selwyn College, part of the University of Cambridge, fostering diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous pension, free meals, gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly environment with excellent career growth and diverse community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the College's built environment while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with knowledge in building conservation and project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 56469 - 56469 £ per year.
Salary: £56,469 per year (2026/27 cost of living pay award pending)
Hours: full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, subject to six months' probation
Selwyn College is seeking a Head of Buildings and Maintenance to lead its Maintenance Department. Reporting to the Bursar and Operations Manager, the successful candidate will lead a team of 11 full-time staff and play a key role in delivering the College’s ambitions for its built environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining the delivery of high quality, cost effective maintenance services on a day-to-day basis with the opportunity to shape and implement a longer term buildings strategy that supports the College’s objectives and sustainability goals.
To be successful in the role, you will be a confident and experienced leader, able to motivate and manage teams to deliver high quality maintenance solutions, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and sustainability. You’ll have strong knowledge of historic building conservation, asset and contract management, and experience of delivering maintenance services through both in-house teams and external contractors. A clear and effective communicator, you’ll bring solid experience of project delivery in a multi-stakeholder environment, along with a good understanding of building compliance and relevant legislation.
The College offers excellent benefits, including:
- Generous occupational pension scheme
- A free meal on duty
- Free use of the College gym
- Free on-site parking
- Friendly and pleasant working environment
- University of Cambridge staff card (for a small charge), which offers a wide variety of perks and local discounts
- Access to the College Library and University Library
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Healthcare benefits (subject to completion of probationary period)
Selwyn College is home to students of all backgrounds from the UK and across the world. We are proud of our diversity. We are keen to receive applications from people who may be under-represented in our community.
Please submit a covering letter outlining your interest in and your suitability for this role.
The closing date is noon on Wednesday 3 June 2026. Interviews will take place on Thursday 11 June 2026.
Head of Buildings & Maintenance in Cambridge employer: Selwyn College
Contact Detail:
Selwyn College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buildings & Maintenance in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Buildings & Maintenance role. 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 Selwyn College and its values. Understand their approach to sustainability and historic building conservation, so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and delivered high-quality maintenance solutions. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on leadership style that Selwyn College is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buildings & Maintenance in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and highlight how your experience aligns with the College’s goals. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re passionate about buildings and maintenance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Buildings & Maintenance, leadership is key. In your application, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and manage effectively, so make sure to highlight your achievements in this area.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: We’re keen on candidates who understand historic building conservation and compliance. Use your application to showcase your expertise in these areas. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality maintenance solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selwyn College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of historic building conservation and maintenance services. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of instances where you motivated your team to achieve high-quality results, especially in a multi-stakeholder environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a clear communicator, practice articulating your thoughts on project delivery and building compliance. You might be asked to explain complex concepts, so being concise and straightforward will help you stand out.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Selwyn College's sustainability goals and how your vision aligns with their ambitions for the built environment. Be prepared to share ideas on how you can contribute to their long-term buildings strategy.