Head of Operations (Facilities Management)

University of Sussex; Lewes; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Job summary

The University of Sussex is seeking a strategic Head of Operations to lead the SEF partnership, unifying facilities management and customer-facing services under a single accountable leader. The role is based in the Lewes/Brighton area and carries end-to-end accountability for delivering services on the ground.

We are seeking an experienced FM professional with strong financial and contract management skills, capable of motivating large, diverse teams and driving performance improvements across

Job description

Head of Operations

£75,000 to £85,000 per annum

The University of Sussex is home to one of the most beautiful campus locations in Britain. Situated in rolling parkland on the edge of the lively city of Brighton & Hove, the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces. Over the past two decades, Sussex has doubled in size in terms of activity, with the University accommodating this growth within its existing campus. The University has invested significantly across its estate, delivering new academic and student accommodation facilities, social and hospitality space and upgrading critical infrastructure.

Facilities Management is provided through a unique Joint Venture Partnership, known as SEF. The University of Sussex is majority shareholder in the Partnership and, from 1 July 2025, OCS will join the Partnership and also provide administrative and management services to the LLP.

Our shared mission is to enhance the University campus by ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently, aligning with the University's values and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are dedicated to making the campus a better place for students, staff, and the broader community. The partnership is built on the core values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment, guiding how we work and deliver services.

The Head of Operations holds end-to-end accountability for how SEF delivers on the ground. The post brings facilities management and customer-facing services under one leader, so that a building problem, a complaint or an incident has a single owner rather than two functions coordinating. The post is the senior operational voice on the SEF Senior Leadership Team and deputises for the Partnership Director where required.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced FM professional with a proven track record of leading the provision of estates and facilities services either in a client-side or provider side contract leadership role. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in driving performance improvements across FM functions, delivering enhanced value and service outcomes. With strong commercial and strategic acumen, they will have demonstrable experience in financial and contract management, performance reporting, and long-term planning. They will also be an inspiring senior leader, capable of engaging and motivating large, diverse in-house teams across all levels of the organisation within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

The benefits include a company car.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 13th September 2026.