About the Role:
Are you a forward thinking and strategic leader in Facilities, Maintenance, and Compliance with a passion for innovation and operational excellence?
We’re on the lookout for an experienced Associate Director to join our Estates and Facilities team at The University of Manchester. This senior role is an exciting opportunity to take responsibility for the strategic direction, leadership, and management of our Facilities Maintenance and Compliance teams, ensuring that our campus and wider estate, meets and exceeds the needs of both our staff and students, whilst also contributing to the University’s overall ambitions.
As a key member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of the University’s estate, ensuring that our Property Maintenance strategies, Compliance efforts, and Energy Management practices are always aligned with the highest industry standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage FMC teams, including professional, technical, and administrative staff, ensuring high performance, effective motivation, and continuous professional development.
- Develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans for Property Maintenance, Statutory Compliance, Energy Management, and Infrastructure capacity.
- Ensure that all Facilities and Services meet statutory requirements and best practice standards, including Fire Safety, Asbestos Management, Water Systems, gas safety, electrical installations, and HVAC.
- Oversee the management of long-term maintenance programmes, ensuring that all activities are completed within budget, on time, and to the required standards.
- Provide leadership guidance on energy consumption, sustainability, and compliance with environmental regulations, driving initiatives to reduce energy costs and improve the University’s environmental impact.
- Manage large, complex budgets and collaborate with University Finance teams to ensure financial efficiency, compliance, and budget accuracy.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, ensuring the needs of students, staff, and visitors are met.
- Lead the recruitment, development, and performance management of staff, ensuring a customer-focused, high-performing team with a positive and supportive working culture.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators and service level agreements, driving improvements where necessary.
- Represent the University at relevant external meetings, committees, and working groups, ensuring that The University of Manchester’s interests are always represented.
What We’re Looking For:
- A degree and/or professional qualification in a Construction or Property-related discipline, with extensive experience in Facilities Management or Construction at a senior level.
- Proven leadership experience in delivering large-scale Maintenance Programmes, Compliance Activities, and Capital Projects.
- In-depth knowledge of Statutory Compliance requirements, Building regulations, Health and Safety legislation, and Environmental Sustainability.
- Strong experience in managing large teams across diverse disciplines and delivering high-quality customer-focused services.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with senior leadership, staff, and external partners.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to innovate, drive change, and align operational priorities with the broader goals of the University.
- Experience in managing complex budgets and forecasting financial resources effectively.
- A commitment to professional development, both for yourself and your team, and a drive for excellence in all that you do.
Why Work at the University of Manchester?
Join a world-class institution that values diversity and equality in the workplace.
Benefit from a range of staff benefits, including family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and career development opportunities.
Access to training and mentorship to support your career growth, with structured development plans and performance reviews. Be part of a global institution in a vibrant, culturally diverse city, with support for international applicants and relocation assistance.
The University of Manchester is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
We invite applications from all backgrounds and look forward to welcoming the next member of our team to the Directorate of Estates and Facilities.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Ben Usher, Talent Acquisition Business Partner
Email: ben.usher@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
