Job Title: Director of Estates (Infrastructure)

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Salary: Competitive

Job type: Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 02/11/2025

About the Role:

We are seeking an accomplished and experienced Director of Estates Infrastructure to lead the strategic planning, development, and management of the University's physical infrastructure.

In this senior leadership role, you will oversee a diverse capital and maintenance portfolio, ensuring the University's estate supports world class teaching, research, and operational excellence. With responsibility for capital development, compliance, long-term maintenance, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the University's Integrated Infrastructure Plan and contributing to the Manchester 2035 Strategy.

If you are a strategic leader with expertise in estates, capital planning and delivery, an infrastructure management maintenance and compliance, and you want to shape the future of one of the UK's most ambitious Universities, this is a brilliant opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Infrastructure Unit, delivering strategic and operational Estates plans.
• Oversee the University's 10 year Estates Capital Plan, from feasibility through to delivery.
• Manage capital and revenue portfolios (circa £100m per annum), ensuring best value and compliance with financial and regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements across fire safety, asbestos, water, gas, electrical, HVAC, and pressure systems.
• Drive integration of long term Maintenance and Zero Carbon strategies into Estates planning.
• Work in tandem with IT colleagues, ensuring good IT Systems capability to help create both a digital, and physical infrastructure.
• Lead frameworks, procurement, and supply chain management for major projects.
• Manage minor works, small projects, and residential plans through in house teams and external partners.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across the University and external partners.
• Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing professional Estates teams.
• Represent the University at a senior level, deputising for the Chief Property Officer when required.

What we're looking for:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Degree or professional qualification in architecture, engineering, planning, or surveying.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in estates and infrastructure within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven ability to deliver complex capital programmes on time, to budget, and to the highest standards.
• Strong strategic planning and project management expertise.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Strong knowledge of legislation and compliance requirements relating to estates and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organisational change and foster a one team culture.
• Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft 365.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience in Higher Education or a similarly complex environment.
• Track record of embedding sustainability and zero carbon initiatives in estates strategies.
• Experience of major contract and framework management.

Why work at The University of Manchester?

Join a world-class institution that values diversity and equality in the workplace.

Benefit from a range of staff benefits, including family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and career development opportunities. Access to training and mentorship to support your career growth, with structured development plans and performance reviews. Be part of a global institution in a vibrant, culturally diverse city, with support for international applicants and relocation assistance.

The University of Manchester is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

We invite applications from all backgrounds and look forward to welcoming the next member of our team to the Directorate of Estates and Facilities.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Director of Facilities Management, Head of Estates, Estates Director, may also be considered.