Deputy Head of Compliance-Contracts

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Deputy Head of Compliance (Contracts) to lead contract management across various compliance areas. The role requires proven leadership in estates management and strong contract expertise. Responsibilities include overseeing high-value contracts and collaborating with teams for effective service delivery. Ideal candidates will have an engineering or facilities background and excellent communication skills. The position offers a market-leading pension and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Market leading Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Exceptional annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas

Local and national discounts

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in managing teams in estates, facilities or engineering.
• Strong expertise in contract management and procurement.
• In-depth knowledge of statutory compliance and building systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing contracts team.
• Manage specialist contracts, ensuring supplier performance.
• Monitor budgets and identify efficiencies across contracts.

Skills

Leadership in estates or facilities management

Contract management expertise

Knowledge of statutory compliance

Financial management skills

Communication and stakeholder engagement

Education

HND / HNC in engineering, facilities or building services

Tools

Budget management tools

Job description

The University of Manchester is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and is looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced Deputy Head of Compliance (Contracts) to join our team and help us navigate the complexities of contract management and compliance. As an ideal candidate, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of specialist maintenance and compliance contracts across our diverse estate.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Compliance and Maintenance (FMC), you will oversee a team of Contracts Managers and specialist staff, ensuring statutory compliance, service excellence, and value for money. You’ll manage a portfolio of high‑value contracts covering mechanical, electrical, fire safety, security, and more playing a key role in maintaining a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant environment for our students, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing contracts team.
• Manage specialist contracts and ensure robust governance and supplier performance.
• Drive procurement, re-tendering, and contract strategy development.
• Monitor budgets and identify efficiencies across multiple contracts.
• Collaborate with Estates colleagues to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Promote health, safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Compliance and Maintenance when required.

About You

You’ll bring :

• Proven leadership in estates, facilities, or engineering environments.
• Strong contract management and procurement expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of statutory compliance and building systems.
• Financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A qualification at HND / HNC level (or equivalent) in engineering, facilities, or building services.

Desirable

• NEBOSH / IOSH qualification, membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IWFM, CIBSE, IFE, CIPS), and experience in higher education or public‑sector estates.

Benefits

• 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 be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

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 [e-mail]

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews :

Name : FMC Operational Services

Email : [e-mail]

General enquiries :

Email : [e-mail]

Technical support :

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.