Head of Maintenance Operations

Location :
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department :
Estates - Maintenance

Position Type :
Permanent

Salary : £58,225 to £67,468 per annum

The role is to manage a team to ensure the safe, compliant, efficient operation and maintenance of all University buildings, building systems and infrastructure, and relevant external public realm. Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of reactive, planned and statutory maintenance function, including providing an emergency reactive service for all building disciplines across all University operated properties.

To ensure that buildings are statutory compliant, well maintained, and operational – including long-term capital planning and delivery.

To provide and coordinate small scale improvement works through in-house labor and contractors. To ensure that the campus mechanical and electrical infrastructure – are safe, fit-for-purpose, and resilient.

Lead and develop the team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus, to deliver a high-quality service.

Postholder will need to work on an out-of-hour call rota with other team members on basis of 24/7 availability 1 week in 4 (13 weeks per annum).

To lead the design, review, and implementation of systems and working practices to deliver a safe, cost-effective, customer-focused Hard FM service across a growing and technically complex campus. Direct the delivery of all Hard FM services, including statutory and planned maintenance, ensuring compliance, robust audit trails, and operational effectiveness.

Manage University-wide maintenance requirements, developing annual operational plans, securing budgets, and determining optimal in-house vs. outsourced service models. Oversee contractor management, ensuring induction, competence, compliance, and value-for-money performance.

Implement and monitor KPIs covering productivity, customer service, carbon reduction, resource efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement; act as Responsible/Approved Person (RP/AP) for designated statutory areas. Develop maintenance policies, systems, and procedures that ensure quality, efficiency, safety compliance, and value for money.

Manage external maintenance and operational contracts where required. Oversee and manage the department’s emergency response arrangements to maintain required service levels. Ensure business cases justify decisions about method of delivery (out-sourced/in-sourced) to provide the best quality of service and/or access to specialist skills/knowledge within budget to ensure compliance. To ensure there are processes to manage and oversee the work of external contractors.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

For more information on the Estates department, please .

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.
* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

Where possible, we offer hybrid working arrangements that combine office-based and remote working. Opportunities for hybrid working will depend on the requirements of the role, business needs of the department and can be discussed during the recruitment process.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

To find out more about our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please see:
Our Commitments | University of Warwick.

JD Head of Maintenance Operations (105817).pdf - 150

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