Head of Maintenance Operations

Imperial College London is seeking two Heads of Maintenance Operations to lead the day-to-day management of Mechanical and Electrical property and facilities services across the university. One role will be based at South Kensington Campus, while the other will oversee White City, Hammersmith and Silwood Park Campuses, offering two exciting opportunities to make a visible impact across the Imperial estate.

You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered to agreed service levels, within budget, and in line with institutional policies and procedures. Working closely with Maintenance Managers, Project Managers and colleagues across the Property Division, you will provide technical leadership on maintenance matters, support the integration of maintenance requirements into major projects, and oversee the effective handover of completed works.

As part of the Property Division’s Centre of Expertise, you will play a key role in delivering safe, compliant and customer-focused maintenance services that support the operational readiness of buildings across teaching, research and wider campus activity.

What you would be doing

You will lead the coordination and delivery of Mechanical and Electrical maintenance operations, ensuring buildings, systems and infrastructure remain safe, compliant, efficient and fit for purpose. Your role will involve planning improvement works, providing technical advice, supporting major projects, overseeing critical assets and driving service excellence while minimising disruption to campus activity. You will also work closely with stakeholders across the estate, communicate service impacts and ensure maintenance supports operational readiness.

Your responsibilities will include leading and developing a multi-disciplinary team, managing contractors and ensuring all works meet Imperial standards, legal requirements and health and safety obligations. You will oversee budgets, plant replacement planning, audits, planned preventative maintenance, reporting and performance monitoring, while tracking risks, costs and timescales. You will also support change projects, manage building shutdowns, ensure accurate handovers and documentation, and promote continuous improvement, collaboration and excellent customer service.

What we are looking for

• A professional qualification at Level 4, or above, in a relevant field to the duties of the post or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in Building Services and experience developing and improving the Service Level Agreements
• Planning and organising Mechanical and Electrical shutdowns
• A high level of people management skills, to train, inspire, motivate and encourage staff in the implementation of their duties
• A thorough working knowledge of all aspects of building services equipment and systems found within high tech buildings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and knowledge of the Trend Building Management System
• In depth knowledge of Health & Safety and Building Legislation
• Excellent interpersonal, spoken and written communication skills including ability to negotiate, motivate, influence, persuade and build relationships in an enthusiastic and diplomatic way

What we can offer you

The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity. Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes). Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme. Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

Please be advised that we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this vacancy. If you require any further details on the role please contact: Mickie Turner-Goble, Property Divisional Administration Manager – csadmin@imperial.ac.uk

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advised that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

About Imperial: Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.