Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM)

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

We seek to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, while creating an impact on a very tangible, human scale. We are delivering this through our three strategic goals of delivering world-class research, world-class innovation, and world-class skills.

STFC is seeking a strategic, delivery-focused Estates professional to lead maintenance and minor works across the South portfolio at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This is a pivotal leadership role in a science-critical environment, ensuring the estate remains safe, compliant, resilient and ready to support world-class research.

You will provide clear direction to in-house maintenance and minor works teams, while setting and leading the resourcing strategy across employed capability and the procured supply chain. You'll drive performance across both models, ensuring innovative, value-engineered and cost-effective services, with health and safety, compliance and environmental sustainability embedded in everything you do.

Working as a senior member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Estates North to align maintenance strategy and performance nationally, enabling a consistent STFC-wide approach. A key part of the role is preparing and presenting performance reporting and business cases at executive level, providing assurance on delivery and highlighting emerging risks and opportunities. This would represent an ideal career move for individuals with a strong track record of setting a clear vision and inspiring their team to deliver it. We are seeking a leader who is a collaborative team player and will relish the chance to play an influential role in the advancement of our scientific aims through the effective delivery of estates.

To arrange a briefing discussion, please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett or Joe Glendon at The Management Recruitment Group (MRG).

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th March 2026.