Deputy Director of Estates

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK's Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

Role Summary

The Estates and Facilities Department is seeking an experienced Deputy Director of Estates to provide strategic leadership across key estates and facilities services. Working closely with the Estates and Facilities Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will support the delivery of the University's strategic plan and ensure the estate is well managed, compliant and fit for the future.

The role will lead teams responsible for Hard FM, statutory compliance, space and asset management, planning, transport, maintenance, projects, property investment, CAD/Design, BIM and environmental management. The postholder will also deputise for the Director of Estates and Facilities in their absence.

Main Activities and Responsibilities

Contribute to the development and delivery of the University's Estates and Facilities strategy, including investment priorities, project planning and risk management.

Lead the development of medium- and long-term investment and maintenance strategies for buildings, infrastructure, external spaces, grounds and transport.

Lead and manage the estates, space planning and asset management teams, ensuring effective performance, communication and service delivery.

Work with Timetabling and Finance to improve the use of University space and ensure reliable space data is available to support planning and decision-making.

Manage budgets and financial performance, ensuring value for money and effective cost control.

Work with Procurement colleagues to ensure appropriate procurement processes are followed.

Work with senior colleagues across the University to improve services and ensure they meet the needs of staff, students and other users.

Provide effective leadership and management of staff, ensuring teams have the appropriate skills, resources and support to deliver their responsibilities.

Manage external service providers, including the outsourced Hard FM maintenance contractor, ensuring effective contract and performance management.

Lead the delivery of the University's space management strategy, ensuring space is used effectively and supports learning, teaching, research and student experience.

Ensure all managed services meet statutory and regulatory requirements and work with Health and Safety colleagues to maintain safe buildings and facilities.

Support the Director in developing and delivering the University's land and buildings asset management strategy, including property sales and acquisitions.

Undertake duties across the University estate and occasional travel as required. Some out-of-hours work and attendance at emergencies may be required. The postholder will also require an appropriate CSCS card to access live construction sites.

Deputise for the Director of Estates and Facilities in their absence.

Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by the line manager.

Essential Criteria

Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.

Relevant professional qualification.

Significant senior-level experience in estates management within a large and complex organisation.

Significant experience of managing substantial budgets and financial planning.

Experience of strategic planning and delivering strategic objectives at senior management level.

Experience of leading and managing professional teams.

Experience of managing change and delivering improvements.

Excellent influencing, communication and consultative skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior colleagues.

Well organised and proactive, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

Experience of Estates and Facilities services within the Higher Education sector.

Knowledge of land and property legislation and contracts.

Why Work For Us

Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).

Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.

Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.

Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.