Job at a glance
The Head of Engineering Operations is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and performance management of engineering services across the University's estate. Reporting to the Associate Director of Operational Engineering, the post holder will lead a team of four Grade 8 Heads of Campus Engineering Operations and provide strategic oversight of planned maintenance, reactive maintenance, service delivery standards, statutory compliance, contractor performance, asset reliability and operational resilience across all campuses.
The role ensures the consistent implementation of engineering standards, policies and procedures, while delivering a safe, compliant and customer-focused engineering service that supports the University's teaching, research and residential activities. Acting as the senior technical and operational leader for campus engineering delivery, the post holder will drive service improvement, operational performance and workforce development whilst ensuring engineering operations remain aligned with the strategic objectives of Estates & Facilities.
The Head of Engineering Operations will deputise for the Associate Director of Operational Engineering when required and provide operational leadership during significant incidents and business continuity events. Working closely with the Associate Director of Operational Engineering, the postholder contributes to the development and implementation of tactical plans that support the Engineering Operations business plan, the overarching Facilities Management Strategy, the Estates & Facilities (E&F) Philosophy, and Strategy 2030.
They are responsible for cultivating a cohesive, high-performing team culture grounded in trust, respect, and strong partnership working with internal stakeholders, College partners, and wider Directorates. The role will ensure completion of all mandated Health & Safety training, including eLearning modules, within required timeframes to maintain compliance with statutory and organisational standards.
Strategic Leadership & Service Delivery Provide leadership and direction to Heads of Campus Engineering Operations, ensuring consistent engineering service delivery across all campuses. Develop and implement operational strategies that support the Engineering Operations business plan and Estates & Facilities objectives. Establish engineering performance standards, service levels and operational KPIs across the estate.
Ensure engineering services are delivered safely, efficiently and consistently, providing an excellent customer experience. Drive a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement throughout Engineering Operations. Lead operational transformation initiatives, service optimisation programmes and efficiency improvements. Engineering Operations Management Oversee delivery of planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance and minor works programmes across all campuses.
Monitor engineering performance, asset reliability and statutory compliance through data-driven performance management. Ensure resources are deployed effectively across campuses to meet operational demands. Lead operational response to engineering incidents, major failures and business continuity events. Ensure lessons learned from incidents are captured and embedded into future operational procedures.
Maintain a resilient engineering service capable of supporting critical teaching, research and residential assets. Leadership of Campus Engineering Teams Directly manage Heads of Campus Engineering Operations and hold responsibility for performance, development and succession planning. Establish clear objectives and performance expectations for campus engineering leadership teams. Promote collaboration and consistency between campuses and engineering disciplines.
Lead workforce planning to ensure appropriate staffing structures, competencies and skills are maintained. Support recruitment, talent management and professional developm