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 positive impact on society through science and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in advancing scientific aims while ensuring safety and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in estates management and a passion for innovative solutions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to influence national maintenance strategy.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ 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 itβs 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. Youβll 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.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th March 2026.
Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell employer: The Management Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
The Management Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell
β¨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.
β¨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. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise but impactful β you want to leave a lasting impression.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) in Harwell
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in estates operations and leadership roles. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of delivering world-class research and innovation.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven performance in similar environments, showing us your strategic mindset.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with other leaders, make sure to highlight your collaborative skills. We love team players who can inspire others and align strategies across different teams, so share those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canβt wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Management Recruitment Group
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Estates Operations South. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around maintenance and compliance. Research the organisation's strategic goals and how your experience aligns with their mission to support world-class research.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you inspire and motivate your team, particularly in a science-critical environment. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to improve performance.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges in estates operations and how you would address them. Prepare to discuss how you would ensure health and safety, compliance, and sustainability in your approach.
β¨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisationβs future projects and how the estates team contributes to those goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.