Estates Director

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 30 days

Shutdown days at Christmas

Staff training

Eye care vouchers

Dental plan discounts

Arts Centre discounts

Warwick Sport membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The University of Warwick invites applications for Estates Director, a senior leadership role overseeing Estates Operations with responsibility for facilities management, accommodation and campus infrastructure. You will drive the long-term estates strategy and lead a large, diverse team to deliver world-class facilities that support teaching, research and student life.

We seek an experienced, influential leader able to shape the estate in alignment with growth, innovation and inclusivity, while

Qualifications

• Senior estates and property professional with substantial experience leading large-scale estates functions
• Experience operating at a strategic level within a complex university or large organisation
• Proven ability to lead, influence and develop high-performing teams

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Estates Operations Directorate (~900 staff)
• Oversee accommodation, facilities management, maintenance, sustainability and campus infrastructure
• Shape and deliver the University's long-term Estates Strategy, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable campus

Job description

Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading, research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 68th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**. *QS World University Rankings 2027 ** Research Excellence Framework 2021

We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Estates Director to provide strategic leadership for a £100m Estates Operations Directorate that shapes and supports every aspect of university life. From world-class teaching and research facilities to accommodation, infrastructure and campus services, you will create and maintain environments where people can thrive.

Responsible for leading a directorate of approximately 900 staff and an accommodation portfolio generating more than £50m in annual income, you will oversee a diverse range of services including accommodation, facilities management, maintenance, sustainability, campus infrastructure, digital estates systems and strategic space planning.

This is a highly visible and influential role with responsibility for shaping and delivering the University’s long-term Estates Strategy. You will provide strategic leadership across a large and complex estate function, ensuring our campus remains welcoming, inclusive and sustainable whilst enabling the University’s ambitions for growth, innovation and academic excellence.

As a senior leader within the University, you will foster a values-led culture built on professionalism, continuous improvement, teamwork, respect, customer service and accountability, inspiring high-performing teams and driving excellence across the Estates Operations Directorate.

We are looking for a senior estates and property professional with substantial experience leading large-scale estates functions and operating successfully at a strategic level. You will bring the vision, leadership and influencing skills to shape the future of our estate and support the University’s ambitions for growth, excellence and impact.

Full time, permanent position

On campus presence expected – at least x4 days per week

• 30 days of paid annual leave, four shut down days at Christmas, and eight bank holidays
• Staff training
• Free eye care vouchers
• Preferred rates for a dental plan
• Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership
• Enrolment onto the Employee Assistance Programme, a complete support network that offers expert advice and guidance 24/7

The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign.

For a confidential conversation about the position, call Nick Brian on 07368 380888.

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st September 2026

First stage interviews 23rd September 2026 (via Teams) and second stage interviews 1st October 2026 (in person).