Interim Head of Estates and Facilities

KM Education Recruitment Ltd; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Welsh university is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Estates and Facilities to manage the strategic development of its campus facilities. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance, enhancements, and sustainability initiatives across various sites. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills, relevant qualifications, and experience in managing complex estates. Benefits include flexible working hours and professional development support.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

27 days annual leave + bank holidays

Enhanced pension contributions

Professional development support

Relocation support

Strong parental leave benefits

Staff discount for gym facilities

Qualifications

• Previous experience managing complex estate involving maintenance and capital projects.
• Experience with public sector regulations in tendering and procurement.
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the University's Estates Infrastructure Plan.
• Manage the capital projects program and space utilization.
• Implement environmental sustainability initiatives across facilities.

Skills

Managing complex, multi-site estate

Understanding of heritage and listed buildings

Strong leadership and team management

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills

Financial planning and budget control

Education

Relevant professional qualifications or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Aberystwyth University has an exciting opportunity for an Interim Head of Estates and Facilities to join the team.

Location: Aberystwyth, SY23 3FL, Hybrid

Salary: Grade 9 Banding, £59,966.34 - £67,468.37 per annum

Job Type: Interim, Temporary, 36.5 hours

About The Company

Aberystwyth University, established in 1872 as the first university in Wales, has long been recognised as a pioneering institution in British higher education. With over 150 years of academic heritage, it has built a reputation for intellectual rigour, global research impact, and a strong culture of leadership development.

It was named Welsh University of the Year 2024 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and ranked Top in Wales for Student Satisfaction in the 2025 National Student Survey. Its focus on employability and inclusive growth was further acknowledged with the AGCAS Building Effective Partnerships Award 2024, highlighting its leadership in preparing graduates for senior roles across sectors. Aberystwyth's reputation for nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and driving societal progress makes it a cornerstone institution.

Interim Head of Estates and Facilities - The Role

They are seeking an experienced interim leader to drive the strategic development and effective management of the University's physical infrastructure. This includes overseeing buildings, grounds, farms, housing, student residences, and other facilities, as well as managing space utilisation and the broader property portfolio. You will have 3 teams under your remit: maintenance, projects and facilities. Each with their own respective team leader, you will be the driving force behind high levels of performance and providing overall strategy.

Interim Head of Estates and Facilities - Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the University's Estates Infrastructure Plan (Masterplan) to meet current and future needs
• Drive initiatives to improve space utilisation in line with sector benchmarks, optimising teaching, research, and professional services spaces
• Champion and embed environmental sustainability across all sites, buildings, and operations, supporting the delivery of the University's sustainability goals
• Take a lead role in shaping and overseeing the capital projects programme
• Manage the University's hard facilities functions, including (but not limited to) utilities, gas, plumbing, heating, lighting, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety systems, ensuring all assets are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose within funding constraints
• Oversee and deliver a robust schedule of planned preventative maintenance, alongside efficient delivery of reactive maintenance
• Manage the University's soft facilities functions, including security, compliance, cleaning, caretaking, grounds, portering, postal, and print room services

Interim Head of Estates and Facilities - You

• Previous experience in managing complex, multi-site estate with remit covering maintenance, renovations and capital projects
• Ideally would have an understanding of heritage and listed buildings
• Relevant professional qualifications and/or Bachelors degree
• Strong grasp of public sector regulations with experience in tendering, procurement and cost management
• Financially astute with past budget control and financial planning experience
• Strong leadership and team management skillset and ability to drive team performance
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively and problem-solve effectively
• Previous experience with a university or other public organisations would be beneficial

Interim Head of Estates and Facilities - Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays and university closed days
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Professional development support
• Relocation support
• Strong parental leave benefits
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus
• Staff reward schemes

To submit your CV for this exciting Interim Head of Estates and Facilities opportunity, please click Apply now!