Head of Facilities Management and Housekeeping Services

Please note a full application through our website which should include a covering letter detailing your experience alongside a CV is required for applications to be considered. Please be advised applications made without providing a cover letter will not be accepted.

Background of department/role

The Head of Facilities Management and Housekeeping Services role will be the focal point for Estates & Facilities services across the Canterbury, Medway and Tunbridge Wells Campuses, the role will involve having responsibility for the buildings and some areas of the wider campus including the responsibility of Housekeeping and Waste Services across the university.

Utilising the support of the professional specialists and relevant Department Heads including but not limited to; Security, Maintenance, Estates and HSE staff and other staff and advisors based at Canterbury. Reporting to the Director, Facilities and Commercial Services, the post holder will be accountable for ensuring the service delivery and optimum physical operations of buildings and services to students, staff and visitors and particularly with engaging and providing support and advice to the wider Campus Staff and Academic Lead/s.

The role holder will be expected to gain an in-depth knowledge of buildings and associated controls and operational needs of the campuses, providing best value and a high level of consistent sustainable performance. This is in line with best practice service delivery as directed by the Estates & Facilities Executive Management Team and supported by the Heads of Departments associated with all levels of the operations of campus and/or for additional professional advice and support.

Management reporting of waste figures, management of the housekeeping teams, waste contracts and ensuring all relevant Health, Safety and Environmental compliance is assured. The post holder will also be key in the ISO14001 Environmental standards the university holds.

The post holder will support Open Days, student arrivals and departures and other related university events. The post holder will have a Deputy Facilities Manager and two Housekeeping Managers with associated teams within who will also work with Conference & Events services to deliver professional commercial conference and events services across each relevant location within the University’s portfolio. There is an outsourced housekeeping provision on the Medway and Tunbridge Wells campuses that are also managed by this post.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic senior Facilities or Commercial manager to work alongside other senior heads of departments within the Facilities and Commercial Services teams. Reporting to the Director, Facilities and Commercial Services, you will be overseeing the continuing integration, modernisation and promotion of the service provision of the two areas within Facilities Management and Housekeeping Services.

You will bring excellent communication skills, and the ability to build effective working relationships across the university. You will be comfortable managing a varied workload, using your strong problem-solving abilities to solve a varied number of challenges that come your way in a timely and efficient manner.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible.

Campus attendance will vary on a day-to-day basis and across the year but must purposefully align to the needs of our students, staff, and stakeholders. It is expected that there will be a relatively even balance between time spent on and off campus; but in most cases the work location will be determined by the service required or the tasks/activities being undertaken.

Canterbury based with regular travel to the Medway and Tunbridge Wells campuses.

Benefits of Working at CCCU

Canterbury Christ Church University is located in the world-famous Cathedral city amongst stunning history and heritage. Canterbury is a thriving international destination, with many students and staff choosing to study and work here, making this historic, cosmopolitan city vibrant and culturally diverse.

Our staff enjoy competitive salaries and a great working environment with a number of benefits ranging from the occupational pension scheme to use of the University’s facilities including the library and fitness centre. We are strongly committed to equality and recognise the value of a diverse workforce. 

We offer generous holiday entitlements plus eight bank and public holidays, as well as discretionary days over the Christmas period.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 26th January 2026

Closing date for applications: 8th February 2026

Interviews are to be held: w/c 16th February 2026

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Geoff.Marsh@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ06024.

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received. 

Additional information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you #yourCCCU.

Our university is deeply committed to shaping sustainable futures as a key part of its mission and values. If you share this passion, we encourage you to join us in making CCCU a more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainable place to study and work

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position may not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.

No agencies, thank you.