Head of Programme Maintenance

Occupying three beautiful campuses (Whiteknights, with its early 19th century planned landscape, London Road with its formal gardens and ceremonial Great Hall, and Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, with its riverside garden landscape) the unique “University within a Park” setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work. 

With such a varied portfolio, there is never a dull day in the Estates Team here at Reading. As well as being responsible for the management and maintenance of the University’s academic teaching and research buildings, we also care for a significant collection of Champion Trees, an expansive lake and the university SportsPark. 

Due to the impending retirement of a key member of staff, we are looking to recruit an exceptional individual to lead our planned and programmed maintenance function. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, the post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all aspects of Planned Preventative (PPM), Contract and Planned Repairs and Maintenance projects. Working with a wide variety of stakeholders from the University’s academic departments, support services and commercial functions, the role will act as a key point of contact between different teams to ensure that the maintenance function is delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible. The post-holder will also be expected to work closely with other teams within the Estates Function, such as Capital Projects and Sustainability, to ensure that sufficient specialist knowledge and advice are fed into strategic investment projects, and that project handovers are smooth. 

Further details of the role and personal specification are included in the Job Description below. Please apply via the University’s Jobtrain site, making sure to include a personal statement with your application which clearly identifies how you meet the following key recruiting criteria:

• ​​​​​​​A proven track record in the leadership and delivery of a customer focussed forward maintenance plan or programme through the creation and maintenance/progression of a complex Contract, Planned Preventative Maintenance or Maintenance Projects programme
• Experience of advising Capital projects project teams in relation to matters of building fabric or services design/future maintenance, and of building snagging O/M assessment and project handover
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with individuals from all levels of the organisation, and experience of managing effective liaison with a variety of customers and stakeholders
• Excellent analytical skills and big-picture thinking, including the ability to interrogate large data sets and identify key trends/challenges/opportunities for improved service delivery
• Excellent budgetary management skills
• An excellent working knowledge of Health & Safety matters relating to construction, buildings maintenance and contractor management (including statutory testing and inspection requirements and compliance)

Interview date 19th September 2022
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Informal contact details

Contact role:

Maintenance Services Director

Contact name:

Emilia McDonald

Contact email:

[email protected]

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Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route.  Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS.  There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

​​​​​​​The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.