At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage facilities operations across UCL's Bloomsbury campus for an enhanced customer experience.
- Company: UCL, a prestigious institution with a diverse and complex estate.
- Benefits: Generous leave options, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campus life while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
The UCL Estate comprises over 270 buildings valued at over £3 Billion, more than four million square feet of academic accommodation and approaching 4,250 student bedrooms. The scale, variety and complexity of the Estate are unparalleled in the Higher Education sector.
The Area Facilities Management Team (AFM Team) is part of the Campus Experience and Infrastructure division. The AFM Team enables and facilitates the smooth running of the Estate and enhances the customer experience by overseeing campus operations.
About the role
We are recruiting for an Area Facilities Manager who will play a senior operational role within UCL's Campus Experience & Infrastructure division, with responsibility for the effective management of a defined geographical area of the Bloomsbury campus. Reporting to the Head of Facilities Management, you will provide leadership across a diverse and complex estate, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and with a strong focus on customer experience.
You will develop a detailed understanding of activity across your area, working closely with academic and professional services leaders to support smooth day-to-day operations and to advise on planned works and activities that span multiple buildings. Acting as a key point of escalation, you will coordinate responses to incidents, complaints and complex operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
A central element of the role is the line management and development of Facilities Managers and Facilities Assistants. You will provide leadership, oversight and support to your team, setting priorities, monitoring performance and fostering a collaborative and professional service culture. You will also deputise for Facilities Managers where required and play an active role in recruitment, appraisal and staff development.
You will use data and insight from inspections, audits and operational reporting to identify trends, manage risk and drive continuous improvement. The role includes managing a delegated budget for targeted works and enhancement projects, representing the service at working groups and committees, and working closely with landlords and specialist CE&I teams to ensure compliance, safety and service standards are maintained.
About you
You will bring substantial practical experience of managing or overseeing estates and facilities services within a large, complex organisation, with a strong understanding of health and safety legislation and its application in an operational environment. You will have experience of working with contractors and in-house teams, and of balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
An experienced people manager, you will be confident leading, supporting and developing staff, and comfortable taking accountability for performance, decision‑making and outcomes. You will have a collaborative leadership style and be able to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing effectively and communicating clearly even in pressured or ambiguous situations.
You will be confident using IT systems to support and oversee facilities operations, including helpdesk or integrated workplace management systems, and will be comfortable using data to inform decisions and report on performance. Experience of working within higher education or a similarly complex estate would be advantageous, as would familiarity with service specifications, contracts or SLAs.
You will be motivated by delivering high‑quality services, improving the campus experience and working inclusively with colleagues, students and partners. Above all, you will bring sound judgement, resilience and a proactive approach to solving complex operational challenges.
What we offer
As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits:
- Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On‑site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
- Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.
Area Facilities Manager employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the prestigious Bloomsbury campus, where you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the campus experience for students and staff alike. With a strong commitment to employee development, UCL provides numerous benefits including generous annual leave options, a comprehensive pension scheme, and support for work-life balance through on-site facilities and flexible working arrangements. Join a diverse and inclusive community that values creativity and innovation, and take advantage of opportunities for professional growth in a complex and rewarding operational landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Facilities Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management field, especially those who have experience in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCL's campus operations and their approach to customer experience. Show us that you understand the unique challenges of managing such a large estate and how you can contribute to enhancing it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and resolved complex operational issues. We want to hear about your collaborative style and how you build trust with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the UCL team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Facilities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing facilities within large organisations. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Area Facilities Manager role at UCL.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your people management experience. Share examples of how you've developed staff and fostered a collaborative environment, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We love candidates who can tackle complex operational challenges. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully resolved issues in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure you apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Estate Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research UCL's estate and its facilities. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by such a large and complex environment. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to enhancing the customer experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Area Facilities Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've fostered collaboration and improved team performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about past incidents you've managed, particularly those involving complaints or operational issues. Be ready to explain your approach to resolving these challenges and how you ensured clear communication throughout the process.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Since the role involves using data to inform decisions, be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified trends, managed risks, or driven improvements based on operational reporting. This will show your analytical skills and your ability to make informed decisions.
