About this role
The role
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Operations Manager to lead the delivery of essential Site Services across our academic University campuses. This is a leadership role within the Campus Division, overseeing cleaning, estates support, and circular economy/waste management services.
You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring our campuses are safe, compliant, sustainable, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. Working closely with the Head of Facilities Management, you’ll shape future service delivery through innovation, data-led decision making, and a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence.
What will you be doing?
As Operations Manager, you will lead multiple operational teams and drive high-quality service delivery across a complex, multi-site environment. Key responsibilities include:
Providing strategic and operational leadership across Cleaning, Estates Assistants, and Circular Economy teams Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, including hazardous waste, statutory requirements, and risk management Leading workforce planning, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning Managing a departmental budget of approximately £8m, ensuring value for money and effective resource allocation Overseeing contractor and supplier performance, including contract management and re-tendering processes Establishing and monitoring KPIs across service delivery, compliance, and customer satisfaction Supporting new building projects through operational planning, advising on service requirements and procurement Acting as a senior point of contact for stakeholders, resolving complex issues and driving continuous improvement
You should apply if
This role will suit a confident and experienced operational leader with a strong background in facilities or site services management.
You’ll bring:
Significant experience in cleaning and/or soft facilities management within a large, complex environment A relevant professional qualification (e.g. BICSc, City & Guilds) or equivalent practical experience NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent Health & Safety knowledge) and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance Proven experience managing large teams, including recruitment, performance, and HR processes Demonstrable success leading change and building high-performing, positive working cultures Strong financial management experience, including budget ownership and cost control Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision making
Additional information
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on: Monday 27th April
For informal queries please contact: Nicola Kerry (Head of Facilities Management and Campus Business Partnering) on [email protected]
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.