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- Tasks: Lead campus operations and facilities services across a diverse estate portfolio.
- Company: Join the University of Reading, a global leader in higher education with a world-class reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, a strong pension plan, and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of campus operations in a beautiful park-like setting while fostering teamwork and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in estate leadership with large operational budgets and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements are welcomed, promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Campus Operations Director to lead the delivery of outstanding campus and facilities services across the University’s diverse estate portfolio. The University has a significant operational estate portfolio consisting of more than 200 buildings and over 250,000m2 of space, spanning academic, research, enterprise, sport, recreation and residential buildings and facilities. It also has an investment portfolio comprising an incredibly diverse variety of land and property including commercial, residential, innovation & enterprise, research & development, industrial, retail and rural space. We have over 500 tenants ranging from multi-national corporations to individual partners.
A rare opportunity has arisen to shape the future of Campus Operations provision at the University. Reporting to the Director of Estates, the Campus Operations Director leads a department spanning Hard FM (Planned Maintenance, Reactive Maintenance, and Gardens & Grounds) and Soft FM (Security, Cleaning, Post, Portering, and Building Support) across the campus and estate portfolio. Leading the department involves fostering teamwork and instilling the ‘One Estates’ ethos, emphasising collaboration across the Directorate.
The Director of Campus Operations is accountable for ensuring FM services are fit for purpose, customer-focused, innovative, compliant with legislation, and promote best practice. Delivering the Maintenance Plan on time and within budget, reducing backlog maintenance, aligning maintenance activities with the Decarbonisation Plan and improving HESA condition ratings are key objectives.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in estate leadership roles, managing large-scale operational property portfolios with budgets exceeding £10 million. They will possess a specific track record in leading performance improvements across estates operations functions, as well as the ability to oversee a portfolio of soft FM services. Experience in environments with comparable characteristics to those found at the University, including 24/7 operational settings, diverse property and facility types, and complex processes, is essential.
We are seeking an individual that has senior-level leadership experience within complex organisations, with a proven ability to inspire and lead a substantial in-house staff cohort, ranging from senior managers to operational professionals. They will possess excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, coupled with a dynamic yet collaborative disposition.
The University of Reading offers a compelling benefits package including the exceptional USS pension, generous annual leave (40 days including university closure days and public holidays), a strong commitment to employee health and wellbeing and access to various optional benefits.
Application Details: The candidate brochure can be viewed at [link]. For a confidential briefing discussion please contact our advisor Michael Hewlett at [email]. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and supporting statement and should be sent to [email].
Key Dates: The closing date for applications is 5th May 2025. First stage interviews with MRG will take place w/c 5th and 12th May 2025. Final stage interviews with the University will take place on campus on w/c 2nd June 2025.
Director of Maintenance Services employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Maintenance Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Reading's estate portfolio and its unique characteristics. Understanding the diverse range of facilities and their operational needs will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles at the University or other educational institutions. This can provide valuable insights into the campus operations culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing large-scale operational property portfolios, especially those exceeding £10 million. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led performance improvements and tackled challenges in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with the 'One Estates' ethos. Be prepared to discuss how you foster teamwork and collaboration among diverse teams, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Maintenance Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Maintenance Services position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight your relevant experience in estate leadership roles and managing large-scale operational property portfolios. Ensure your CV reflects your ability to lead performance improvements and manage substantial budgets.
Write a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, address how your skills and experiences align with the university's objectives. Emphasise your leadership style, interpersonal skills, and commitment to fostering teamwork within diverse environments.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any errors. Ensure that the formatting is professional and consistent, making it easy for the hiring team to read.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of the Director of Maintenance Services. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and objectives mentioned, such as delivering the Maintenance Plan on time and within budget.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, especially in managing large-scale operational property portfolios. Highlight specific examples where you've led performance improvements and how you inspired your team to achieve their goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of FM Services
Be ready to talk about your experience with both Hard and Soft FM services. Discuss how you have ensured these services are customer-focused and compliant with legislation, as well as any innovative practices you've implemented in past roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
The University values a collaborative approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've fostered teamwork in previous positions. Discuss how you can instil the 'One Estates' ethos and promote collaboration across departments.
