At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage FM service contracts across UAL's creative estate.
- Company: Join UAL, a global leader in art, design, and innovation with a vibrant student community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and inclusive employment policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative 10-year Estates Strategy shaping world-class facilities for future creatives.
- Qualifications: Strong background in facilities management with senior-level experience and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Applications close on 7th September 2025; diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a Head of FM Contract Services who will be responsible for the management and direction of FM service contracts across the UAL estate portfolio.
UAL is a global leader in creativity, innovation, and invention across the knowledge economy. Comprising six renowned Colleges and four Institutes across London, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UAL is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a creative powerhouse. With a vibrant, multicultural community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.
Now is an exciting time to be joining UAL to take up this role. A 10-year Estates Strategy has been developed which will see the delivery of new campuses for London College of Fashion (completed in 2024) and London College of Communication (to be completed in 2027) as well as a period of estate transformation across our existing portfolio that ensures the UAL estate is fit for purpose, sustainable and provides world-class facilities and experience to our students, staff and partners. Following the appointment of new Associate Directors in the areas of Estate Development and Facilities Management in 2024, we are now embarking on an investment in the team that will see the appointment to c.25 new roles in these areas.
The Head of FM Contract Services is a pivotal role within the Estates Team and is responsible for leading on the strategic delivery of hard and soft FM services across a diverse and creative multi-site estate, ensuring outstanding service for students, staff, and visitors alike.
In this role, you\’ll oversee the performance of key service partners, manage the Estates Helpdesk, and drive continuous improvement across all FM operations. You\’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, Procurement, and Finance to ensure value for money, compliance, and innovation in service delivery. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping a safe, sustainable, and customer-focused environment.
We\’re looking for someone with a strong background in facilities management, ideally with senior-level experience across multi-site estates. You\’ll need a relevant qualification related to facilities management or contract management and a proven track record in contract management, budget oversight, and service delivery. Experience with CAFM systems, leading Helpdesk teams, and driving performance against KPIs is essential.
The Candidate Brochure can be viewed at UAL – Head of FM Contract Services .
For a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett (michael.hewlett@) and Joe Glendon (joe.glendon@) at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 7th September 2025.
UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.
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Head of FM Contract Services employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FM Contract Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UAL's current projects and their Estates Strategy. Understanding the ongoing developments, like the new campuses for the London College of Fashion and London College of Communication, will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the facilities management sector, especially those who have experience in multi-site estates. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with CAFM systems and how you've successfully led Helpdesk teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance against KPIs, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the retained advisors, Michael Hewlett and Joe Glendon, for a briefing discussion. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help tailor your approach when applying through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FM Contract Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of FM Contract Services position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for facilities management and your understanding of UAL's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your senior-level experience in facilities management, particularly in multi-site estates. Include details about your contract management, budget oversight, and any relevant qualifications to make your application stand out.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Head of FM Contract Services role. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities, such as managing FM service contracts and overseeing performance. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role is pivotal within the Estates Team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in facilities management, particularly in multi-site environments, and how you've driven continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Questions on Compliance and Innovation
Given the emphasis on compliance and innovation in service delivery, think about how you've ensured value for money and compliance in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented that demonstrate your ability to innovate within FM services.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Stakeholders
This position requires collaboration with senior stakeholders, Procurement, and Finance. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and worked with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, ensuring a customer-focused environment.