Head of Maintenance

Established in 1965, the University of Kent – the UK’s European university – now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

A consistent strong performer in the league tables, in 2017 it was awarded a gold rating, the highest, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent was in the top 10% of the world’s leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its ‘Table of Tables’ 2016.

The Estates Department, with some 300 staff and an annual revenue budget of £26.8 million, is one of the largest Professional Services Departments in the University. It is responsible for the maintenance of c. 100 buildings spanning both the academic and residential portfolio across our Canterbury and Medway campuses.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Estates (Maintenance & Technical Services), the Head of Maintenance is responsible for the management of a multi-discipline team of trade staff providing the full range of reactive/planned electrical and mechanical services in addition to building fabric throughout our estate. The directly employed maintenance team (DLO) is circa 50 strong and covers a diverse and complex portfolio of both academic and residential estate.

The successful candidate will be qualified in an M&E related discipline to degree level with extensive experience in the management of directly employed trade teams. In addition to strong people management ability, you will also possess demonstrable expertise in the management of statutory compliance. This role will suit professionals with experience across diverse, complex estates who are adept in delivering ‘best in class’ services in similar high public footfall environments.

To arrange a confidential discussion and/or to request the full briefing particulars, please contact our retained advisor Matthew Giles (matthew.giles@mrgpeople.co.uk  ) of The Management Recruitment Group.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 7^th November 2021.