Director of Estates and Facilities

Job Description

Post Title: Director of Estates and Facilities

Responsible to: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost

Responsible for: All Teams and staff within the Estates and Facilities directorate

Location: Estates and Facilities

Grade: Grade 10, Band 3

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: Full Time

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here .

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Durham University.

The Role and Department

The Director of Estates and Facilities will have accountability for: Projects and Infrastructure, Estates Operations, Property Assets, Accommodation and Commercial Services, Health and Safety Service and Business Resilience.

The Director of Estates and Facilities will lead the successful delivery of the University's ambitious estates and facilities development programme in context of the University's strategy . The Accommodation and Estates Strategy will ensure the right infrastructure, accommodation and campus services to realise our ambition to be world leading in research, education and the wider student experience.

The Director of Estates and Facilities will lead the University's Accommodation and Commercial Services which encompasses all aspects of University accommodation, FM provided internally and via third parties, conferencing and events, community services, University retail and security. The Director will also have overall responsibility for Health and Safety and environmental assurance.

The Director will balance strategic leadership with operational delivery. They will build strategic partnerships which will add value, taking account of a wide range of stakeholders. Working closely with the University Executive, Council and Senate; taking responsibility for delivering a complex portfolio of development; driving innovation and value for money.

The Director will be responsible for overseeing the management of all aspects of the Estates and Facilities function including new build, refurbishment and building development projects; infrastructure, sustainability, operations, and property assets; commercial and retail, accommodation and facility services. This will include responsibility for over 400 staff and a recurring budget of c.£37m.

More information on our Estate Development can be found at Estate Development - Durham University .

Key Deliverables

• Lead the transformation of the Durham University estate and facilities in line with the University's strategy to enhance the student and academic experience.
• Lead the delivery of the University Accommodation and Estates Masterplan, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the University.
• Deliver major capital projects and supporting infrastructure; whilst ensuring that the plan meets the evolving needs of the University.
• Deliver the University's existing and future maintenance programme, minimising disruption and ensuring strategic linkages with new developments.
• Develop and empower the Division's senior management team, ensuring the delivery of efficient and effective services and fostering a high performing culture.
• Lead the University's Accommodation and Commercial Services division.

Other Responsibilities

• Develop and maximise income and partnerships with commercial and public sectors, including retail, catering, conferencing, events and medical services to enhance our facilities and campus experience and to ensure that investment in University-wide infrastructure is optimised.
• Ensure that estates and facilities management strategies, policies, procedures and systems are developed in line with University values and aspirations; manage and deliver multi-million pound expenditure budgets.
• Ensure the provision of high quality, customer focused and innovative services, ensuring resilience and responsiveness to changing demands and priorities.
• Optimise space management across University estate, developing innovative solutions which support smart and hybrid working.
• Innovate and develop strategic private and public partners to add value to the University and wider community, optimising academic expertise, in particular sustainable energy solutions, digital technology, Enterprise and Business Incubation and culture.
• Develop and deliver the new sustainability strategy, including innovative green travel plans and recycling.
• Develop and deliver new college accommodation, working with PBSAs and developers and local stakeholders.
• Engage with the University's wide range of internal and external stakeholders and provide a key interface with the Estates and Facilities Division.
• Build relationships with key partners, including Durham County, Cathedral, local communities and businesses.
• Identify and evaluate risks and options and develop operational strategies to manage and mitigate risk and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, and be aware of any impending legislative, statutory, and national changes which might impact the University.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where ...