Head of Estates Operations South (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Lead the Infrastructure That Enables World‑Class Science

At STFC, our estates do far more than house buildings — they enable discoveries that change lives. From space exploration to medical breakthroughs, our facilities underpin some of the UK’s most important scientific work.

We’re now seeking a Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) to provide strategic and operational leadership for maintenance and minor works across the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This senior role sits at the heart of a complex, high‑risk, science‑critical environment where safety, resilience, and performance are non‑negotiable.

Your Role and Impact

As a senior member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will shape how hard facilities management services are delivered across the South portfolio. You’ll lead multi‑disciplinary teams and supply‑chain partners to ensure the estate remains safe, compliant, sustainable, and ready to support cutting‑edge research.

Working closely with the Head of Estates North, you’ll align strategy and performance nationally, ensuring a consistent STFC approach while responding to local operational needs.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading safe, compliant delivery of planned and reactive maintenance and minor works programmes
• Setting and delivering a resourcing and procurement strategy that balances in‑house capability with an effective supply chain
• Acting as Principal Accountable Person, owning statutory compliance and the Estates Health & Safety Management System
• Embedding environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, and whole‑life asset thinking into operational decisions
• Using performance data and asset intelligence to drive continuous improvement and long‑term planning
• Building strong, trusted relationships with scientific users, senior stakeholders, and commercial partners
• Producing executive‑level reports, assurance papers, and business cases for investment and risk management
• Championing inclusive leadership, organisational values, and service transformation across Hard FM services

About You

You are a senior Estates or Facilities Management leader with experience delivering services in complex, regulated environments. You are comfortable operating at executive level, balancing operational grip with long‑term strategic thinking.

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership of estates or Hard FM services using mixed delivery models
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance, health & safety, and public‑sector procurement
• Experience managing risk, performance, and assurance in high‑hazard or mission‑critical estates
• A collaborative, influential leadership style with excellent stakeholder skills
• A strong commitment to sustainability, safety, and whole‑life asset management

Security & Eligibility Requirements

This role requires National Security Vetting. Applicants must have been continuously resident in the UK for the last 5 years. This requirement applies regardless of current right‑to‑work or visa status.

Pay, Benefits & Work–Life Balance

STFC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and long‑term career development, including:

• 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working arrangements
• An excellent defined‑benefit pension scheme
• On‑site nursery, subsidised catering, and social/sporting clubs
• Opportunities to work alongside world‑leading scientists and engineers

Visa Information

Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should review UK Home Office guidance. UKRI may reimburse some visa costs once employment begins.

Relevant UK Government & Official Guidance

Health and Safety Executive (HSE): https://www.hse.gov.uk

UK Government – Skilled Worker Visa: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Ready to Apply?

If you’re an Estates or Hard FM leader who wants to enable world‑class science through excellent, safe, and sustainable operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.