Required Skills
- Estates Management
- Facilities Management
- Statutory Compliance
- Health & Safety
- Contract Management
- Budget Management
- Sustainability
- Stakeholder Management
Job Summary
Interim Director of Infrastructure (Higher Education)
Location: London | Duration: 3-6 month Interim | Start: Early January 2027
Client: A leading London university (named to shortlisted candidates only)
Rate: Negotioable
Location: London - Hybrid
Ref: INT-INFRA-0127
The Opportunity
Our client is a well-regarded, diverse London university with a strong civic mission. It is looking for an experienced interim leader to take charge of its Infrastructure function from January 2027.
What does the role entail?
You will lead estates operations across a multi-campus estate, including facilities management, maintenance, security and sustainability. You will provide continuity and strong leadership, keep services running at a high standard, and prepare for the permanent solution.
This is a high-visibility role, working directly with the university’s senior executive team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic and operational delivery across hard and soft FM, planned and reactive maintenance, security and campus services.
- Lead and support an established team through a period of transition.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, fire, water, asbestos, gas and electrical requirements.
- Manage service contracts and suppliers, driving performance and value for money.
- Own the operational budget and report to the senior executive team.
- Support the university’s sustainability and net zero ambitions.
- Work closely with capital projects and estates development colleagues.
About You
- Senior estates, facilities or infrastructure leadership in higher education or another complex, multi-site organisation.
- Strong command of statutory compliance and building safety.
- Experience managing significant budgets and outsourced contracts.
- Ability to lead people through change and engage at executive level.
- Available from early January 2027.
- Previous interim experience and professional membership (MRICS, CIOB, IWFM, CMIOSH or similar) desirable.
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Director of Infrastructure (Higher Education) employer: Virtual Hire Staffing
Join a leading building services provider in Fareham, where your expertise as a Commercial Quantity Surveyor will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £70,000 - £80,000, a generous car allowance, and the flexibility of hybrid working, you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This role offers the unique opportunity to engage with diverse projects across various sectors, ensuring you make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
