Head of Shared Estate

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £65,262
Hours: Full time 
Contract Type:  Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon. Office based with occasional Hybrid Working available 

Closing date: Tuesday 26th November 2024

Proposed interview date: Mid December 2024

About the Role 

You will manage and oversee the shared estates team and will ensure that the team is configured, skilled and supported to ensure the successful delivery of the required services. You will possess exceptional commercial and strategic skills to join UK Research and Innovation and lead the infrastructure, estate, environmental and commercial development activities across the entire property portfolio, alongside responsibility for the operational delivery of all facilities management within the Estate.  With experience of managing a complex estates and facilities portfolio in an organisation of equal complexity and familiarity with organisations such as the Government Property Agency (GPA), you will play a pivotal role in developing organisation’s estate utilisation ensuring all facilities offer an environment of excellence and satisfaction for the workforce.

Purpose

The Head of Shared Estate will be a strategically minded individual, skilled in leading change and continuous development, with experience in a senior management post holding responsibility and accountability for the delivery of an Estates service, across the whole of UKRI’s Shared Estate, working with colleagues who have similar responsibilities for UKRI’s various Science Estates. Experience of managing senior stakeholders is essential. This is a high-profile role that requires tact and diplomacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the shared estate function across the organisation, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services that align with the strategic and operational priorities of UKRI.
• Develop and implement the shared estate strategy in conjunction with the Head of Operations, engaging with senior stakeholders to shape strategic direction and deliver operational excellence.
• Provide expert advice on all aspects of property management, facilities, office services, and capital development to ensure the estate's safety, functionality, and sustainability.
• Drive improvements in workplace quality, standards, and services, overseeing facilities management, disaster recovery, business continuity, local physical security and health & safety compliance.
• Accountable for the management and maintenance of UKRI properties, ensuring they remain safe environments for staff and service users, and support Greening Government commitments concerning sustainability.
• Oversee hard and soft facilities management functions, including cleaning services, mechanical and electrical maintenance, catering, car parking, meeting rooms, and printing services.
• Lead major capital projects, refurbishments, and expansion initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Build and manage multi-disciplinary teams, promoting innovation, cultural change, and continuous improvement across all shared estate services.
• Work closely with senior-level stakeholders to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and the effective delivery of service level agreements (SLAs) and performance objectives.
• Responsible for financial and commercial management, including budgeting, procurement, and cost improvement projects, to ensure that all shared estate functions operate efficiently and deliver best value.
• Work with other estate colleagues as a member of UKRI’s Technical Estates Management Group, ensuring alignment in approach and maximising opportunities where possible for optimisation of services.
• Work closely with the GPA Agency and associated central Government bodies in support of UKRI’s property needs.
• Work closely with the Trade Union representatives and other public bodies eg. Borough Councils and regional or national development bodies.    

Shortlisting and Interview criteria

Shortlisting

• Qualification in a programme management methodology, masters or post graduate degree in Building Services or Surveying or equivalent experience, ideally a qualified Quantity Surveyor
• A property professional who has experience of managing a large portfolio of buildings and associated facilities management services at a senior level
• Experience of negotiation and the procurement of Estates and Facilities Management service contracts based upon PM best practice principles including risk transfer, use of output specifications and key performance indicators. 

Interview

• Solid project and programme management skills with the ability to produce compelling business cases and/or delivering a series of projects where required.
• Excellent leadership, management, communication, presentational and influencing skills.
• A keen team member who works collaboratively across the organisation with proven ability to develop a motivated, engaged and high performing workforce and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Possess a high level of political acumen/astuteness –notably having a high level of credibility with peers and key players in stakeholder organisations.
• Able to professionally and sensitively engage and challenge stakeholders and colleagues in problem solving and achieving successful outcomes.
• Able to consistently achieve targets, meet deadlines and produce high quality outputs.
• Able to manage competing priorities in a balanced, risk based manner.