Head of Estates and Facilities (6310)

Salary scale: £59,966.34 – £67,468.37 per annum. The University is committed to attracting high-calibre candidates and salary will be determined in accordance with relevant experience and qualifications.

Contract type: Permanent, full-time (36.5 hours per week). This role is eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About the role

Aberystwyth University is seeking a reliable and innovative individual who will be responsible for the strategic management, development, and operation of the University's estates and facilities portfolio. The postholder will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be a member of the Professional Services Senior Leadership Team.

They will provide strategic leadership and operational management of Aberystwyth University’s estate, facilities, and property portfolio, ensuring that buildings, grounds, infrastructure, and associated services support the University’s academic mission, student experience, and long-term strategic objectives. The postholder will lead the planning, development, maintenance, and sustainability of the University's physical assets while ensuring compliance, value for money, and excellent customer service.

The successful candidate will manage a team responsible for maintaining and developing the university’s estate while supporting the institution’s strategy and broader objectives. The Head of Estates will also contribute to the leadership and development of the University as a senior leader.

The University’s site includes a mix of Grade 1, Grade 2, and 1960s concrete structure buildings, including unique developments such as the Old College project. The portfolio also includes various smaller residential properties, farms, and other external assets, which the postholder will be responsible for maintaining and planning major maintenance to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Gwawr Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at gwt4@aber.ac.uk.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Estates Infrastructure plan to meet the current and future needs of the University, and present the strategy and vision to key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership for space utilisation, enhancing teaching, research, and professional services operational spaces.
• Promote, develop, and embed environmental sustainability across sites, buildings, and operations to support delivery of the University’s sustainability goals.
• Play a lead role in developing and managing delivery of the capital projects programme.
• Provide strategic leadership on the delivery and operationalisation of the Old College development as client representative and trusted advisor, reporting and providing assurance to the University Executive and University Council, as required.
• Advise senior management on estates-related risks, opportunities, and investment priorities.
• Manage the University’s hard facilities functions including utilities, gas, plumbing, heating, lighting, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety systems, ensuring all university assets are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.
• Oversee and deliver a schedule of planned preventative maintenance alongside providing reactive maintenance.
• Drive continuous improvement in service standards and operational efficiency.
• Manage the University's soft facilities function including security, statutory compliance, cleaners, caretakers, grounds, porters, post, and print room.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across the Estates and Facilities portfolio, ensuring a high-performing, customer-focused culture that operates effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and health & safety standards across all areas of responsibility and prioritise work based on appropriate risk assessments.
• Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for business continuity, emergency response, and resilience of the University's estate and infrastructure.
• Commit to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• Commit to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Perform any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Requirements

• A proven track record of successfully managing a complex estate, including maintenance, renovations, and capital projects.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., in engineering or as a quantity surveyor) or equivalent experience.
• Experience and knowledge of Public Sector Regulations including tendering, procurement, costing, and liaison with contractors and professional consultants in relation to buildings projects.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
• Knowledge of health & safety regulations, building codes, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively and problem-solve effectively.
• A genuine commitment to sustainability and stewardship and development of a historic site to meet the needs of a University community.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within the workplace.
• An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of heritage buildings.
• Familiarity with an educational and farming setting.
• Oral (spoken) and written Welsh at Level B2, or a willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy and hybrid working options.
• 36.5-hour week for full-time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Enhanced contribution to workplace pension schemes.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption leave.
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Employment Visa

We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. This role meets the criteria for sponsorship by Aberystwyth University. The role requires a minimum of 70 points under the Skilled Worker Route Points-Based System, including:

• Mandatory criteria (50 points):
  • A job offer from a UK licensed sponsor (20 points).
  • Job is above the minimum sponsorable skill level (20 points).
  • Appropriate knowledge of the English language (10 points).
• Tradeable criteria (20 points, dependent on candidate):
  • Salary meets minimum threshold (20 points).
  • The candidate holds a PhD in a subject relevant to the job (10 points).
  • The candidate holds a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job (20 points).
  • The advertised role is on the UK Shortage Occupation List (20 points).

Appropriate knowledge of English is defined as:

• A national of a majority English-speaking country.
• An academic degree taught in English (if an overseas degree, must be verified by UK NARIC).
• Completing and passing an English language test at Level B1 or above.