Head of Maintenance Operations

Imperial College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Generous family leave packages

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking two Heads of Maintenance Operations to lead day-to-day management of Mechanical and Electrical maintenance across the university’s campuses. One role will be based at South Kensington, the other overseeing White City, Hammersmith and Silwood Park.

You will ensure services meet SLAs, stay within budget, and comply with policies while providing technical leadership and overseeing smooth handovers of completed works.

Qualifications

• A professional qualification at Level 4, or above, in a relevant field to the duties of the post or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in Building Services and experience developing and improving the Service Level Agreements.
• Planning and organising Mechanical and Electrical shutdowns.
• A high level of people management skills, to train, inspire, motivate and encourage staff in the implementation of their duties.
• A thorough working knowledge of HVAC and the Trend Building Management System.
• In depth knowledge of Health & Safety and Building Legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal, spoken and written communication skills including ability to negotiate, motivate, influence, persuade and build relationships in an enthusiastic and diplomatic way.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination and delivery of Mechanical and Electrical maintenance operations, ensuring buildings, systems and infrastructure remain safe, compliant, efficient and fit for purpose.
• Plan improvement works, provide technical advice, support major projects and oversee critical assets.
• Oversee budgets, plant replacement planning, audits, and preventative maintenance; track risks and timescales.

Skills

People management

HVAC knowledge

BMS (Trend)

Contractor management

Project coordination

Health & Safety knowledge

Education

Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Trend Building Management System

Job description

Salary or Salary range: £71,793- £82,031 per annum

Posting End Date: 4 Oct 2026

About the role

Imperial College London is seeking two Heads of Maintenance Operations to lead the day-to-day management of Mechanical and Electrical property and facilities services across the university. One role will be based at South Kensington Campus, while the other will oversee White City, Hammersmith and Silwood Park Campuses, offering two exciting opportunities to make a visible impact across the Imperial estate.

You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered to agreed service levels, within budget, and in line with institutional policies and procedures. Working closely with Maintenance Managers, Project Managers and colleagues across the Property Division, you will provide technical leadership on maintenance matters, support the integration of maintenance requirements into major projects, and oversee the effective handover of completed works.

As part of the Property Division’s Centre of Expertise, you will play a key role in delivering safe, compliant and customer-focused maintenance services that support the operational readiness of buildings across teaching, research and wider campus activity.

What you would be doing

You will lead the coordination and delivery of Mechanical and Electrical maintenance operations, ensuring buildings, systems and infrastructure remain safe, compliant, efficient and fit for purpose. Your role will involve planning improvement works, providing technical advice, supporting major projects, overseeing critical assets and driving service excellence while minimising disruption to campus activity. You will also work closely with stakeholders across the estate, communicate service impacts and ensure maintenance supports operational readiness.

Your responsibilities will include leading and developing a multi-disciplinary team, managing contractors and ensuring all works meet Imperial standards, legal requirements and health and safety obligations. You will oversee budgets, plant replacement planning, audits, planned preventative maintenance, reporting and performance monitoring, while tracking risks, costs and timescales. You will also support change projects, manage building shutdowns, ensure accurate handovers and documentation, and promote continuous improvement, collaboration and excellent customer service.

What we are looking for

• A professional qualification at Level 4, or above, in a relevant field to the duties of the post or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in Building Services and experience developing and improving the Service Level Agreements
• Planning and organising Mechanical and Electrical shutdowns
• A high level of people management skills, to train, inspire, motivate and encourage staff in the implementation of their duties
• A thorough working knowledge of all aspects of building services equipment and systems found within high tech buildings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and knowledge of the Trend Building Management System
• In depth knowledge of Health & Safety and Building Legislation
• Excellent interpersonal, spoken and written communication skills including ability to negotiate, motivate, influence, persuade and build relationships in an enthusiastic and diplomatic way

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

Please be advised that we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this vacancy.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Mickie Turner-Goble, Property Divisional Administration Manager – [e-mail]

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday, 4 October 2026