Deputy Director of Estates - Maintenance and Capital Works (BEDS2965) in Luton

This is an exciting time to join the University of Bedfordshire as we progress with our ‘Transforming Bedfordshire’ Strategy. Our new Deputy Director will be a pivotal player to deliver our vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive, ambitious academic community. Our campuses are the core of what we do and who we are. They are where our talented students produce their innovative work, make meaningful connections personally and professionally, and find their individual style. They are a hub for learning and a place to connect.

The Deputy Director of Estates - Maintenance & Capital Works is a senior leadership role with end-to-end accountability for the operational performance, statutory compliance, capital and revenue project delivery, risk management and strategic development of the University’s estate. The post holder operates as the single senior point of accountability for engineering maintenance, compliance and estates-led projects, exercising assurance, governance and delegated authority across their team and external consultants and contractors.

The role is strategic and assurance-focused, ensuring that maintenance delivery, capital and revenue projects, and compliance activities are robust, integrated, compliant and data-driven, while avoiding direct involvement in routine day-to-day task management. We are seeking an exceptional candidate with a track record of delivering strategic maintenance, lifecycle works, reconfigurations and refurbishments across a similar diverse live environment. You will be adept at prioritising and providing an exceptional customer service all within budget.

To be a success in the role, we are seeking an individual with outstanding stakeholder engagement and team leadership skills, and who is results focused and customer-centric in approach.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 6th September 2026. Interview date 24 September 2026. The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required).

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population. At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all. We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.

We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.