About us
UCL School of Pharmacy is one of the world's leading centres of excellence for pharmaceutical science, education and professional engagement, ranked third in the world by QS (2026, Pharmacy and Pharmacology). The Division has a track record in high-quality research across a broad range of drug discovery, pharmacy and patient safety-related areas, and for developing spinout companies that have brought new therapeutic strategies to patients. The School is housed in a large standalone building in Brunswick Square, with some additional leased offices in Tavistock Square.
Further information can be found on our website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/
This is an exciting opportunity to join the School of Pharmacy as our Buildings and Safety Manager.
About the role
The Senior Buildings and Safety Manager will ensure that the School of Pharmacy meets the health and safety objectives of the University, and will manage the maintenance of the fabric, services, facilities and environmental controls of the building. Acting as the Divisional Safety Officer, you will play a significant role in delivering University safety initiatives, including fire evacuation, waste disposal, risk management and emergency planning.
You will also act as building manager and Divisional lead for building security, with line management of the front of house team (security, reception and goods received, portering and post). You will be the main link between the School and UCL Estates and central Safety Services, input into the design and delivery of refurbishment projects, oversee contractors, and manage the Divisional operations budget.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will work as a senior team leader within the Division, managing change as appropriate and contributing to management decisions in your areas. The role includes out-of-hours emergency call-out cover.
- This position is available from January 2027
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
The job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Steve Bunting, s.bunting@ucl.ac.uk
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.
About you
You will have extensive experience of working in a research laboratory in a higher education institution or equivalent environment. You will have relevant laboratory health and safety qualifications to enable you to be the DSO and a comprehensive understanding of laboratory and buildings health and safety legislation, including containment levels and engineering controls.
You will have substantial experience of managing a team, including delegating work, conducting appraisals and identifying training needs, and of building management: coordinating estates projects, overseeing contractors, and allocating space and resources. You will be able to manage a budget, prioritise a varied workload, and communicate well with colleagues at all levels, external contractors and public services.
You will be self-motivated, hands-on and committed to best practice. You will need a flexible approach to working and be willing to provide out-of-hours call-out cover for yourself and your team. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant scientific discipline is desirable.
What we offer
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people;
Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Buildings and Safety Manager in London employer: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
UCL's Information Services Division (ISD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among over 50,000 staff and students. With a commitment to employee growth, ISD provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technology areas. Located in the heart of London, UCL promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
