DIRECTOR OF ESTATES & FACILITIES CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
This is an exciting time to join the University of Bedfordshire as we progress with our ‘Transforming Bedfordshire’ Strategy. Our new Director of Estates & Facilities will be a pivotal player to deliver our vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive, ambitious academic community. Our campuses are the core of what we do and who we are.They are where our talented students produce their innovative work, make meaningful connections personally and professionally, and find their individual style. They are a hub for learning and a place to connect – and we’re looking for a new Director of Estates & Facilities to ensure these vital spaces, are ideally suited to our students’ needs. If you’re happy to travel between our campuses – Aylesbury, Luton, Bedford and Putteridge Bury – if you have senior level experience in asset management, facilities management and project management, and if you’re interested in helping the University of Bedfordshire grow and thrive as an institution as we seek to achieve our long-term objectives, then this job is ideal for you. In recent years, Bedfordshire has invested in several major projects – from a new library and academic STEM building (at Luton), new modular facilities (at Stoke Mandeville hospital) and the Gateway (at Bedford). Currently we are updating our Health Sciences provision across 3 campuses, and futureproofing the old library space, in Luton, to be “the home” of our Professional Services staff. These investments, sit alongside existing good quality physical spaces, including the magnificent Putteridge Bury. We’re looking for someone to build on these successes as the University enters the next stage of its Strategic Plan and consolidates its position as a university. You’re joining at an exciting time where you will be able to play a lead role in refreshing the Estates Strategy and the Infrastructure (physical and digital estates) Masterplan that aligns with theTransforming Bedfordshire Strategy. You’ll have a base at Luton with regular travel to our other sites, and you’ll work closely with members of our Leadership Team – including our Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Executive Deans, and Professional Service Directors – to deliver improvements across the University through high-profile projects. If you are an innovative leader with a passion for working in a high performing team, that creates an inclusive culture of service excellence and project deliver, we look forward to hearing from you.
We are proud to be an internationally recognised and award winning institution with a heritage of quality education going back more than 100 years. We appear in theTimes Higher Education World University rankings, ranked as one of the top 300 universities in the world under 50 years old in theYoung University rankings. In 2021 we were extremely proud to have received a first class award in the People and Planet University Green League, obtaining 2nd place out of 154 UK institutions. In 2020 we launched ourTarget Zero campaign with the aim to become carbon neutral by 2050 and our commitment to sustainability has been recognised with an Eco Campus Platinum award for two years running.
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Civic Agreement
At Bedfordshire we have a vibrant and cosmopolitan student population that includes around 20,000 students from over 100 countries. We are a modern university that believes in nurturing our students to become educated, employable and entrepreneurial global citizens. We lead the way in expanding educational opportunity; with more than 40% of our students coming from families with no history of participation in higher education. Around 70% are mature returners to education and over half are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, under- represented in higher education. In 2021, we were named in a report by the SuttonTrust as one of England’sTop 25 universities to have successfully contributed to an increase in social mobility amongst disadvantaged young people in England. We have also rated highest in the East of England for ‘access to education’ and are in theTop 10 of this category for the whole country – one of only two universities situated outside of London.
A CIVIC AGREEMENT FOR LUTON
Strategic Plan
VISION FORTHE ROLE The incoming Director of Estates will play a crucial role in supporting the University’s commitment to excellent and inclusive teaching and learning, sustainability, and community engagement. The role will join at a time when the University has ambitious plans for growth and impact, and to support this the incoming Director will lead the development of a new estates strategy and the development of masterplans across each of the University’s campuses.
KEY AMBITIONS INCLUDE
Customer-Focused Facilities Services: We are committed to delivering excellence across our estates, facilities and accommodation provision, providing an exceptional experience for students, staff, partners and visitors. We will seek to do this though a strategy balanced between developing and motivating in- house teams with the appointment of specialist external partners. Space Utilisation and Asset Management: We will optimise the use of our existing land, property and building portfolio to ensure that the University derives value its space.This will involve reimagining space utilisation, upgrading and repurposing existing buildings, and taking opportunities to consolidate the portfolio ensuring financial and environmental sustainability. Net Zero Carbon Commitment: In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, we are committed to achieving net-zero. Our estate will play a crucial role in this by implementing energy-efficient technologies and sustainable construction and maintenance practices, as well as seeking to embed sustainable practices across all University activities. Delivery of an ambitious capital programme. We have earmarked a £20m p.a. capital plan to invest across the estate, enabling masterplans, modernising existing buildings and delivering on our environmental sustainability commitments. We will also engage with civic partners to create inspirational civic spaces that benefit not only our university but also the broader community.
LUTON CAMPUS Our Luton campus is located right in the heart of the town centre boasting our brand-new STEM Building, seven-storey Library and Postgraduate & CPD Centre, as well as an array of fantastic modern facilities to support each of the courses on offer.
CAMPUS SQ.M (INCLUDING PUTTERIDGE BURY)
BEDFORD CAMPUS The Bedford campus has lots of green open spaces while being very close to Bedford town centre and local amenities. It boasts our Gateway building, a three-storey building that offers high-quality teaching spaces, informal learning spaces, lecture theatres and a new student services centre.
BUDGET
AYLESBURY CAMPUS Our new Aylesbury Campus opened in February 2020 in partnership with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHSTrust (BHT) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, home to the world renowned National Spinal Injuries Centre.
STAFFING
PUTTERIDGE BURY CONFERENCE CENTRE Our Putteridge Bury conference centre is a magnificent neo- Elizabethan manor house built in 1911 in the style of Chequers, with beautiful grounds and a reflecting pool.
Principal Accountabilities 1. The post will lead in providing long-term and integrated estates, facilities and property services planning for the University’s campuses and to create the basis for fully exploiting the potential of the University’s physical resources. 2. Participate in the corporate governance of the University through contributing to the work of the Office of the Chief Finance and Resources Officer, the Vice Chancellors Executive Group (VCEG), relevant committees and the governing body. Providing the link from the corporate business planning objectives to the estate planning/ management function and related support services activities, to ensure that the work of the Estates Department is focused on providing appropriate facilities compatible with the delivery of the corporate business plan. 3. Contribute to the University’s strategic planning, with responsibility for the physical environment and the physical resources, through preparation, revision and implementation of the University estate strategy, including liaison with the academic community on the Academic Plan and the Finance Department on the Finance strategy. 4. Plan, manage, and develop the University’s estate and its related resources and services. Work with academic and professional services community to deliver the facilities and environment to enable the best student experience. 5. Procurement and the efficient management of all works and services related to the operation, maintenance and development of the estate. 6. To plan and ensure statutory compliance of the estate in accordance with all legislation, directives, H&S, Acts of Parliament and Codes of Practice. 7. To advise in the formulation of, and be responsible for, the Department’s annual budget and capital investments, to ensure that all operations and development activities are provided at optimum cost effectiveness. 8. Manage the following services, within approved parameters of cost and service level, at all times seeking best value: • Building operations and maintenance • Engineering services operations and maintenance • Capital development projects (minor works through to strategic developments) • Asset Management and compliance • Grounds operations and maintenance
Job Title:
• Procurement and management of utilities (water, gas, electricity, oil) • Factoring services including leases, acquisitions, disposals, rates • Cleaning services • Waste disposal • Portering and mail services • Reception • Security services • Space Management including CAFM • Procurement and maintenance of loose furnishings • Car Parking • Catering Services • Environmental and Sustainability 9. Provision of leadership to all staff in the Estates and Facilities Department, ensuring that the necessary skill and competency levels are in place, developed or acquired. Keep skill mix under review to ensure that that University is able to operate as an informed client in all aspects of its estate and facility management activities, procure in-house or contracted resources as necessary. 10. Responsible for the ongoing development and updates of the estate database to ensure that adequate information is available on matters such as physical condition, legislation compliance, functional suitability and space utilisation etc. 11. Represent the University on estate and estate related matters and in dealings with the Office for Students, local and national authorities, business partners, commercial developers and other external organisations. 12. Advise on matters related to physical development taking into account the University’s declared targets and strategic plans and the parameters laid down in local and regional structure plans. 13. Promote efficiency and flexibility in the use of physical resources, improving the academic programme fit, aesthetics and providing for staff and students a more effective teaching and research environment, improved sense of academic community and enhanced quality of University life. 14. Be an active member of the University Business Continuity Plans. 15. Advise on matters related to physical development taking into account the University’s declared targets and strategic plans and the parameters laid down in local and regional structure plans.
Director of Estates and Facilities
Department:
Estates and Facilities
Job ReportsTo:
Chief Finance and Resources Officer
Location: Pay Point:
Luton
Spot c£100k
Context The Director of Estates and Facilities is a member of the senior management team, contributing to the University’s strategic and corporate planning, with special responsibility for both the physical environment and resource strategy, in the context of supporting the University’s teaching, research, residential and other business activities. The Director, like other senior managers, will have a high degree of freedom of action and personal responsibility and will need to work with the through the relevant bodies within the University’s committee structure. The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the University’s estate, its related resources and business activities to provide a physical support environment commensurate with the University’s corporate objectives and its mission of delivering excellence in teaching, research and associated commercial activity. The Estates and Facilities Department is a multi-disciplinary department providing a comprehensive estate planning and management service and a range of facilities support services, to ensure that the land and property assets are capable of supporting the academic and other business of the University safely and effectively.
facing the higher education sector • Driven to deliver a high level of facilities services management • Preferably working at least at deputy/assistant director level with experience of both estates and facilities management Skills/abilities/competencies Essential Criteria • Proven ability in managing projects to completion. • A high level of communication skills, both written and oral. • A strong commitment to customer service and enhancing life chances through education. • Familiarity with corporate information systems and their impact on facilities and estates. Desirable Criteria • Evidence of implementing innovative forms of service delivery Personal Attributes Desirable Criteria • Able to demonstrate behaviours which embrace the University’s values of engaging our community, providing high quality service, focusing on achieving outcomes, working with integrity and honesty and valuing colleagues and their performance
Qualifications Essential Criteria •
Experience Essential Criteria •
A university degree or equivalent and possess a relevant chartered qualification in architecture, engineering, planning or surveying.
Have extensive relevant estates management experience at a senior level in a complex private sector firm or significant public sector organisation. High level experience of service partnerships and modern approaches to service delivery. Management experience of staff and budgets on a substantial scale.
Desirable Criteria •
•
Evidence of CPD
•
Knowledge Essential Criteria •
A proven track record which includes a substantial wide- ranging experience at a senior level in the leadership and management of people, teams and resources. A sound understanding the impact of equal opportunities and disability legislation.
• Experience of consulting/ negotiating with local and
regional trade union officers, including dealing withTUPE Transfers.
Desirable Criteria •
•
Experience as a senior member of a major estate development project. Management of facilities staff in a multi skilled setting.
Desirable Criteria • Experience and understanding of working in a diverse organisation
•
• Experience of or an
understanding of the challenges
You get the best of all worlds with our campus locations in Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury. Colourful, culturally diverse towns with a long history and strong sense of community, big enough to offer a tempting choice of shops, sports and entertainments. Beautiful countryside, framed by the Chiltern Hills, is on our doorstep as well as villages perfect for a pub lunch.The campuses are well placed, with access to major transport links and London is just a short train journey from both Luton and Bedford Supporting our communities by giving staff time to donate blood. The University will support employees who have appointments to donate blood during the working day, at specified locations close to the campus where they are usually based, up to 3 hours in a working day, three times a year.
PENSION Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) which is a career defined scheme
ANNUAL LEAVE Generous annual leave of 30 days plus 5 concessionary days, when the University is closed.These additional paid leave days are typically three at Christmas and two at Easter
30
WORKING Hybrid and flexible working
FITNESS Free Get Active membership giving colleagues access to free Gym access, Fitness classes, Swimming andYoga
FEE WAIVER Fee Waiver for Children of Staff. If your child enrols, or is already enrolled, on a full time undergraduate course with us, then we will waive their fee for the HonoursYear of their degree. SPORTS THERAPY Free SportsTherapyTreatments from our students. Our free student-run SportsTherapy Clinic is available on our Bedford campus to staff and students and is open within term time only
For a confidential conversation, please contact our advisors Michael Hewlett or Ben Duffill:
Michael Hewlett | Director michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com 07972 579938 Ben Duffill | Managing Director ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com 07976 125010
Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and should be sent to michael.hewlett@ mrgglobal.com
The closing date for applications is: Sunday 15th October 2023
MRG preliminary meetings will be: w/c 16th October
The formal interview and campus tour at the University of Bedfordshire will be: Thursday 9th November 2023.
We are currently hard at work implementing our new People and Culture Strategy to recruit, retain and develop a high quality workforce. Launched in 2022, the strategy aims to foster a positive culture and an inclusive, diverse work environment that values the institutions’ greatest asset – its people – and encourages the empowerment of staff.
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