Deputy Director (Facilities Management)

Royal Holloway is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. To meet the increasingly contemporary needs of those who study, work and visit here, our Estates team is focused on developing a campus that is fit for the 21st century. Now, as this department enters the final stages of a post-pandemic restructure, we’re seeking a Deputy Director to provide strategic leadership across Facilities Management (FM). In doing so, you’ll help to shape the future of our historic estate for generations to come.

This is a key senior strategic planning and operational position. Reporting to the Estates Director, you will ensure our FM services and related resources, staff and materials deliver transformational change in line with Royal Holloway’s priorities. It’s a role with plenty of scope. With your experience, you’ll oversee the governance, delivery and performance of investment, maintenance and compliance programmes across the institution.

Among your responsibilities, you’ll drive the adoption of new digital self-service solutions that enhance the experience of students, staff and visitors. You’ll also direct and manage a proactive, engaged culture of health and safety compliance, backed by robust management and reporting systems. As someone with a track record in customer-focused service provision, you’ll be confident managing multi-disciplinary projects and delivering results in line with budgets and agreed standards.

You’ll build relationships with professional service and academic stakeholders and the Student Union to ensure facilities are safe, secure and fit for purpose. This includes championing a new environmental, sustainable approach to all estate-related activities in support of our target of being net zero by 2035. With your leadership skills, you’ll support and motivate colleagues to reach objectives with limited resources, against tight deadlines when required.

To apply, you’ll be educated to minimum degree level (or equivalent) in a property-related professional service. Or, you’ll have equivalent relevant, proven experience in a property-related or professional service role. You’ll have a proven track record of working in a senior FM role in a HEI or similar scale organisation. Importantly, you’ll have demonstrable organisation, interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills and the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels. 

You will receive a salary of £71,400, plus a range of great benefits including a generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, training and development opportunities, and the option of flexible working to support your work-life balance. There is free parking available on the estate, and we also offer a cycle to work scheme and a season ticket loan to help with the cost of travel.

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0626-186.

Closing Date: 23:59, 8 July 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Further details: Job Description & Person Specification.

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Advert information