At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical governance and assurance across a prestigious multi-campus university estate.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in facilities management with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, flexible benefits fund, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive and inclusive environment with access to wellbeing services and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on technical services and shape the future of university facilities.
- Qualifications: Engineering competence and strong knowledge of compliance and technical standards required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Head of Technical Governance & Assurance
- Location: University of Greenwich, covering Avery Hill, Greenwich and Medway campuses
Salary: Competitive salary plus 10% performance bonus, £1,300 Flexible benefits fund and Car allowance
Lead Technical Governance Across a Prestigious Multi-Campus University Estate
Sodexo has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Technical Governance & Assurance to join our University of Greenwich partnership.
This is a rare opportunity to take a senior technical leadership role across a diverse and high-profile university estate spanning Avery Hill, Greenwich and Medway.
You will shape technical standards, strengthen statutory and regulatory compliance, improve asset performance and provide trusted assurance to both Sodexo and the client team.
Reporting to the Partnership Director, you will act as Sodexo's senior technical custodian for the contract, ensuring our people, processes, systems and supply chain are equipped to deliver safe, compliant, resilient and high-performing facilities services across all three campuses.
This is far more than a traditional technical management role.
It is an opportunity to influence the future of technical services, embed robust governance, support long-term asset planning and make a lasting impact within one of Sodexo's important university partnerships.
- Why This Role is Different
- This is a career-defining opportunity for a senior technical leader who wants to:
- Lead technical governance and assurance across a complex, multi-campus university environment.
- Set the standard for statutory, regulatory and contractual compliance.
- Provide expert technical assurance to senior client and Sodexo stakeholders.
- Shape forward maintenance, lifecycle and capital planning decisions.
- Support engineering teams, contractors and supply chain partners to deliver consistently high standards.
- Drive continuous improvement, sustainability and technical best practice.
- Play a visible senior leadership role in a partnership where safety, quality and resilience matter every day.
- What You’ll Be Doing
As Head of Technical Governance & Assurance, you will
- Represent Sodexo at client governance forums, providing clear technical assurance, insight and confidence.
- Develop and implement the technical services strategy in line with Sodexo's FM objectives and the university's operational priorities.
- Create, lead and continually improve a robust technical governance, audit and assurance framework.
- Ensure all technical services meet statutory, regulatory, health, safety, environmental and contractual requirements.
- Provide expert advice to senior leadership on building performance, engineering risk, maintenance standards and capital planning.
- Support planned and reactive maintenance across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other critical building systems.
- Ensure strong asset management, accurate maintenance records, reliable asset data and clear compliance evidence.
- Culture and hold teams accountable for delivering safe, compliant and high‑quality technical services.
- What We’re Looking For
We're looking for an exceptional technical leader who combines engineering credibility, governance expertise, commercial awareness and strong people skills.
You Will Bring
- Engineering competence with NVQ Level 5, HND, degree or equivalent experience in an engineering or technical discipline.
- Strong knowledge of Hard FM, building services, engineering compliance and technical standards.
- Experience leading technical governance, assurance, audits or compliance activity within a complex estate.
- Strong understanding of statutory obligations, regulatory requirements, health and safety standards and safe systems of work.
- Proven ability to manage risk, prioritise technical issues and solve complex problems under pressure.
- Experience supporting maintenance operations across mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and critical building systems.
- Practical experience with asset management, lifecycle planning, PPM, reactive maintenance and technical reporting.
- Experience managing contractors, supply chain partners and service providers.
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior leaders and build trusted relationships with clients and operational teams.
- People management experience, with the ability to motivate, support and develop multidisciplinary teams.
- Good IT capability, including Microsoft Office and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems; Maximo experience would be highly desirable.
- Experience improving helpdesk procedures, workflows, maintenance records and compliance evidence.
- Understanding of minor engineering projects, project delivery and operational handover.
- Reward & Benefits
- Competitive salary and Sodexo benefits package.
- Pension scheme.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Access to Sodexo's wellbeing support and employee assistance services.
- Reward and recognition schemes.
- Opportunities to work with wider Sodexo technical communities and subject matter experts.
- A supportive, inclusive and purpose‑led working environment.
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Head of Governance & Assurance employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leaders can thrive while managing facilities for a complex government estate. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to service excellence, Sodexo fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance & Assurance
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Governance & Assurance role you’re after at Sodexo.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Sodexo a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Sodexo.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Governance & Assurance at Sodexo, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance & Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Governance & Assurance, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Sodexo a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Sodexo specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Sodexo, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Sodexo want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
