Interim Infrastructure Director – Higher Ed (London)

Virtual Hire Staffing; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtual Hire Staffing has placed an Interim Director of Infrastructure for a leading London university. The role oversees estates, facilities management, maintenance, security and sustainability across a multi-campus estate, with hybrid work in London and an initial 3-6 month duration starting January 2027.

The successful candidate will lead senior teams, ensure statutory compliance and budget oversight, and work closely with the university's executive team to deliver continuity and a pathway to

Qualifications

• Senior estates, facilities or infrastructure leadership in higher education or another complex, multi-site organisation.
• Strong command of statutory compliance and building safety.
• Experience managing significant budgets and outsourced contracts.
• Ability to lead people through change and engage at executive level.
• Available from early January 2027.
• Previous interim experience and professional membership (MRICS, CIOB, IWFM, CMIOSH or similar) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational delivery across hard and soft FM, planned and reactive maintenance, security and campus services.
• Lead and support an established team through a period of transition.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, fire, water, asbestos, gas and electrical requirements.
• Manage service contracts and suppliers, driving performance and value for money.
• Own the operational budget and report to the senior executive team.
• Support the university’s sustainability and net zero ambitions.
• Work closely with capital projects and estates development colleagues.

Skills

Estates Management

Facilities Management

Statutory Compliance

Health & Safety

Contract Management

Budget Management

Sustainability

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Virtual Hire Staffing has placed an Interim Director of Infrastructure for a leading London university. The role oversees estates, facilities management, maintenance, security and sustainability across a multi-campus estate, with hybrid work in London and an initial 3-6 month duration starting January 2027.

The successful candidate will lead senior teams, ensure statutory compliance and budget oversight, and work closely with the university's executive team to deliver continuity and a pathway to