Senior Space Utilisation Manager

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Hove; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Hove is seeking a Senior Space Utilisation Manager to oversee space management and utilisation across its estate. This role involves leading strategic planning, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and managing a substantial budget. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's in estate management and significant experience in space management, particularly within the NHS context. Opportunities for visa sponsorship are available for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Masters or equivalent experience in estate management.
• Project Management experience delivering projects.
• Significant experience in space management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and management of space booking system.
• Produce annual space utilisation statistical reports.
• Ensure compliance with national regulations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to articulate complex information

Analytical skills

Education

Masters in space/property/estate management

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job overview

The purpose of the Senior Space Utilisation Manager is to enable the Trust to run and manage its space and the use of space in the most efficient and effective way, in a compliant and safe environment.

The role will include taking a lead role within the Capital Development and Property team in the strategic planning of space and managing space demands and requests from the Trust’s multiple users and stakeholders.

The position will entail advising and managing work to ensure effective and efficient space utilisation across the Trust property portfolio.

The role will be responsible for working with the Estates Strategy and masterplans and contribute towards strategic operational planning when vacating / relocating departments prior to undertaking major project refurbishments.

Main duties of the job

Enable the delivery of the UHSussex Capital Plan by decanting properties and relocating displaced services as required to meet capital project timescales.

Consider Trust strategies and operational plans in the allocation of space, to support those objectives and retain opportunities. Ensure space is effectively and efficiently utilised.

Contribute to UHSussex Estates Strategy, masterplans and associated site development plans in consideration of predicated space demands or existing space requests. Plan and deliver the estate rationalisation targets proposed in the estate strategy to achieve the stated KPIs. Chair the estate strategy rationalisation workstream.

Contribute to the planning and development of the estate, ensuring the provision of safe, fit-for-purpose environments for patients, staff and visitors, which reflect changes in clinical practice and which are consistent with the strategic aims and objectives of the Trusts.

To support the Trust in identifying opportunities to rationalise the estate, ensuring that space is utilised effectively.

Contribute to the development of the Trusts’ business plans, strategic service development plans and other planning documents ensuring appropriate links are made to space utilisation and space demand.

To be responsible for the management and effective sustainable utilisation of space and to ensure that space needs are effectively managed through clear processes to allow transparent evaluation and decision making.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

To lead the design, roll out and future management of a digital space booking and utilisation monitoring system. Ensure the system is utilised to its maximum efficiency and provide space analysis reports. To be responsible for providing training for all new users. Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the system.

To be responsible for the annual production of space utilisation statistical reports and coordinate with other data owners and stakeholders. Analyse and interpret data and compare it to 6 Facet Survey utilisation data, to support estate rationalisation planning.

Significant daily responsibility for producing AutoCAD Technical customised drawings for space planning applications.

To ensure that the Trust operates within current national regulations, local policies and best practice in the field of space management. This includes relevant building and healthcare estate statutory and regulatory requirements including Health Technical Memoranda and Health Building Notes.

Budget setting and monitoring is a key component of this role. The post holder will be the accountable budget holder for the annual Space Utilisation Budget. This budget for the 2025 / 26 financial year exceeds £1.8m.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• A Masters or equivalent experience in space / property / estate management, surveying, contract management, facilities management etc
• Project Management experience in delivering projects within time / cost / quality frameworks
• Knowledge of NHS / Public Sector policy and procedure particularly in relation to strategic planning and estates planning and development
• Significant relevant experience in space management within a large and complex estate
• Significant experience of AutoCAD with an Autodesk Certified Professional qualification on systems 2019-2024 – or similar.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of relevant building and healthcare estate statutory and regulatory requirements including Health Technical Memoranda and Health Building Notes.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Able to articulate complex information clearly when communicating in relation to area of specialism
• Ability to assimilate and analyse information quickly in hostile or highly emotive / highly contentious situations

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications

We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early

In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working

If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting / line manager.

DBS Checks

As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa

Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications