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- Tasks: Lead a team of 1,100 staff to enhance campus services and student experience.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a top 100 global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey towards becoming a global top 50 institution by 2030.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in service management and a passion for team development required.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; closing date is 10th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
The University of Birmingham is a comprehensive research-intensive institution, ranked in the top 100 universities globally, and home to a diverse community of over 41,000 students from 150 countries and more than 10,000 staff. Our heritage as Britain’s first civic university combines with an ambitious contemporary agenda to continue our transformation and growth and deepen our impact. Over 92% of our research is rated world-leading; our five research themes focus on a thriving planet, life-changing technologies, connecting cultures, global health and a fairer world. We rank highly among employers seeking to recruit graduates and are a diverse community, with staff and students from Birmingham and the West Midlands, across the UK and around the world, and we have a long-standing role at the heart of a dynamic and thriving city region. Building on all of this, our Strategic Framework sets a highly ambitious strategy to become a global top 50 institution by 2030.
The role of Director of Campus Services is of strategic importance for the University and leads a function of c.1,100 staff with a turnover of over £80m and a budget of c.£60m. The Director of Campus Services is accountable for a portfolio including: the University’s 5,500 bed student residential villages, sporting facilities, retail and catering outlets, an on-campus hotel and conference centre and three-day nurseries.
A number of campus-wide services also fall under the remit of Campus Services including cleaning, security and emergency planning, portering, post, visitor services, transport, waste disposal and recycling. The role also has responsibility for conferencing and events and managing University attractions such as Winterbourne House & Gardens.
The postholder provides strategic leadership for the University’s campus services with a specific focus on delivering service excellence, identifying innovative and sector leading opportunities for income generation, and aligning the department’s vision with the University’s 2030 Strategic Framework.
Overall, this is one of the largest and most exciting roles of its kind in the higher education sector, requiring a combination of commercial ability with a strong service ethos. Our 2045 Campus Vision ensures that we ‘enrich the lives of the University’s students, staff, and key stakeholders’, where Campus Services will play a vital role in our success. You will be a leader who is passionate about people and culture with a proven track record in the development of resilient and high functioning teams. This is a post that will suit individuals who can adopt a long-term approach to strategy alongside the rigours of day-to-day world class operations.
The further particulars can be viewed at Director of Campus Services
The University is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including its senior leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds with the qualifications and experience to undertake this role, including under-represented groups.
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett or James Gregory of The Management Recruitment Group at michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com or james.gregory@mrgglobal.com
Closing date for applications is Sunday 10th August 2025.
The MRG preliminary meetings will be held over w/c 18th August with the formal stages at the University of Birmingham during late September/October 2025.
Director of Campus Services employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Campus Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Birmingham's strategic goals, especially their 2030 Strategic Framework. Understanding their vision will help you align your experience and ideas with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff in similar roles at the University or other institutions. This can provide valuable insights into the campus services landscape and help you understand the challenges and opportunities within the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for income generation and service excellence. Think about how you can contribute to the university's mission and present these ideas confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and experience in building high-functioning teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive culture and driven operational success in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Campus Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Campus Services. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and how your experience aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and achievements that demonstrate your leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to manage large teams and budgets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for enhancing campus services and your vision for aligning with the University’s 2030 Strategic Framework.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and provide examples of how you have built resilient teams and fostered a positive culture in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University of Birmingham's 2030 Strategic Framework and Campus Vision. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style and experience can align with their ambitious goals and contribute to enriching the lives of students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your proven track record in developing high-functioning teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams, managed significant budgets, and implemented innovative strategies that resulted in service excellence.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Since the role requires a blend of commercial ability and a strong service ethos, be ready to discuss your experience in income generation and how you’ve identified and capitalised on opportunities in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios related to campus services, such as managing crises or improving student satisfaction, and prepare your responses to demonstrate your approach and thought process.
