Head of Estates and Facilities

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 the 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 who are 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. As part of the wider portfolio there are various smaller residential properties, farms and other external assets which will be the responsibility of the postholder to maintain and plan major maintenance to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Gwawr Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check(DBS) check.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

• 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;
• Strategic leadership for space utilisation, enhancing teaching, research and professional services operational spaces;
• To 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 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, but not exclusively, 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, which operates effectively and efficiently;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and health & safety standards across all areas of their responsibility and ensure work is prioritised 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
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the…