Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services

Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services Competitive salary level plus excellent benefitsThe University of Sussex is seeking to appoint its next Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services.

The first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, Sussex received its Royal Charter in 1961 and immediately set about offering an alternative to the traditional higher education landscape. From the very start, Sussex was intended to be a new kind of university: challenging convention and fostering critical thinking. Today, our courses, research and culture aim to stimulate, excite, and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead.

Now in our 63rd year, we have established a global reputation. We are ranked 31st in the UK and joint 246th overall in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025, with 10 subjects listed within the UK top 20 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 and Development Studies ranked first in the world for the eight consecutive year, reflecting the radically global orientation of our research and education. Given our strong institutional commitment to environmental sustainability, we are also very pleased to be recognised as the 8th most sustainable university in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and joint 26th in the world for Sustainability.

The University has a beautiful and diverse campus estate located in Falmer, on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove. It is situated in rolling parkland in the South Downs National Park and has amongst its buildings a listed core heritage estate designed by Sir Basil Spence. Over the past two decades, Sussex has doubled in size in terms of activity, with the University accommodating this growth within its existing campus. The University has invested significantly across the campus, delivering new academic and student accommodation facilities, social space and upgrading critical infrastructure. There are a number of major estates development and environmental sustainability focused projects currently underway, with others planned.

The Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management for the University’s estate and all associated facilities management and commercial services which underpin the University’s aim to have a world-class physical environment to support the delivery of its academic ambitions, and exceptional student, staff, and visitor experience. This is a critical role that will support the realisation of our new strategy 'Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures’.

We are seeking to appoint a candidate with extensive experience in estates and facilities leadership roles at a senior and strategic level, and with a deep knowledge and understanding of, and a strong commitment to, delivering estates solutions to the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will have excellent portfolio-level leadership experience, as the role has a broad remit spanning masterplanning and capital development, property and space management, facilities management, environmental sustainability and commercial services (such as catering, hospitality, student accommodation and sport).

The University offers a compelling employer proposition including significant investment in staff wellbeing and development, a generous pension scheme and annual leave allowance, and access to campus facilities. There is also relocation support available for individuals seeking to relocate to the area to take up the position.

Please contact Sally Brockway at MRG for a copy of the Candidate Brochure via Flippingbook or accessible PDF.

To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our advisors Michael Hewlett or Ben Duffill at MRG.

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and can be sent to Sally Brockway at MRG.

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th November 2024.

Informal Interviews will take place on campus on Wednesday 8th January 2025 with the final Panel Interview taking place on campus on Wednesday 15th January 2025.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, andwe welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from people who identify as being from underrepresented backgrounds.