Partnership Director, Sussex Estates and Facilities

The Management Recruitment Group (MRG); Brighton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management provider seeks a Partnership Director to enhance the University of Sussex estate. The successful candidate will lead a team in delivering top-quality services, focused on sustainability and operational efficiency. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management, aimed at fostering a collaborative environment that supports a vibrant campus life.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in facilities management.
• Experience in client-side or provider-side leadership roles.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the facilities management team.
• Ensure compliance in service delivery across the campus.
• Instil a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Financial Management

Performance Reporting

Contract Management

Education

Degree in Management or relevant field

Job description

Partnership Director, Sussex Estates and Facilities

Partnership Director, Sussex Estates and Facilities

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Appointing senior leaders in higher education, life sciences and schools.

Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP (SEF) is seeking to recruit a Partnership Director to lead facilities management provision across the University of Sussex estate portfolio.

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.

OCS is proud to partner with the University of Sussex in this long-term collaboration. With a workforce of over 50,000 colleagues and a turnover exceeding £2 billion, OCS is a market leader in delivering innovative and award-winning services across facilities management, including hard services, cleaning, security, and catering. These strengths underpin our commitment to excellence in the SEF partnership.

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 Partnership Director is a key role in maintaining, improving and shaping the future of the University of Sussex estate. The postholder will lead, develop, manage, and motivate the FM team, ensuring that the University receives services of the highest quality across the campus and remains compliant in the delivery of FM Services. A key focus of the role will be to instil a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the full duration of the contract. The postholder will be directly employed by SEF but will be a key member of the Estates senior management team, while also benefiting from the relationship with OCS, as one of the UK’s leading FM providers.

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 Candidate Brochure can be viewed at University of Sussex – Partnership Director SEF LLP

To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our advisors Ben Duffill (07976 125 010 / [e-mail]) or Michael Hewlett (07972 579 938 / [e-mail]) at MRG.

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and can be sent to [e-mail].

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29th June 2025.

Stage 1 Interviews will take place on Thursday 10th July and Friday 11th July, with Stage 2 Interviews taking place on Wednesday 16th July.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from people who identify as being from underrepresented backgrounds.

Please note: The employing organisation for this role will be Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management

• Industries

  Higher Education and Facilities Services

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