Interim Head of Maintenance

Oxford

£60,000 - £65,000

Fixed-Term (6 Months)

Full-Time, 37.5 Hours per Week

Overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Maintenance / Estates Manager to lead and develop a maintenance function across a diverse and prestigious property portfolio.

This senior leadership position is responsible for ensuring all buildings, infrastructure and residential properties are maintained to the highest standards of safety, compliance, presentation and operational effectiveness. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, manage maintenance operations, drive continuous improvement and oversee both planned and reactive maintenance activities.

The portfolio includes a mixture of historic, listed and modern buildings, residential accommodation and commercial properties, offering a varied and rewarding challenge.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the maintenance team.
• Set clear objectives, standards and performance expectations.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability and customer service.
• Act as the senior point of contact for all maintenance and estates matters.

Estates & Property Management

• Oversee maintenance, repair and refurbishment works across the estate.
• Review and improve planned preventative maintenance programmes.
• Manage capital projects and refurbishment schemes.
• Work closely with contractors, consultants, architects and specialist suppliers.

Operational Management

• Ensure effective delivery of reactive, planned and cyclical maintenance.
• Develop service standards, KPIs and reporting procedures.
• Manage maintenance budgets and project expenditure.

Compliance & Health & Safety

• Take responsibility for statutory compliance across the estate.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
• Manage contractor compliance, permits to work, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Significant experience leading a maintenance, facilities or estates function.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams through change and operational improvement.
• Strong people management and staff development skills.
• Experience managing maintenance programmes, refurbishment projects and capital works.
• Relevant qualification in Building Services, Construction, Engineering, Facilities Management or a related discipline.
• Strong budget management and financial control experience.
• Experience of procurement, tendering and contract management.

Desirable

• Experience managing historic, heritage or listed buildings.
• Membership of a professional body such as IWFM, CIOB, RICS or equivalent.
• Experience within higher education, hospitality, residential property or heritage environments.
• First Aid qualification.
• Knowledge of sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Generous pension contribution.
• Complimentary meals whilst on site.
• Access to fitness and wellbeing facilities.
• Employee discounts and travel schemes.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Ideal Background

This role would suit an experienced:

• Head of Maintenance
• Estates Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Engineering Manager
• Property Services Manager
• Building Services Manager