Job overview
The purpose of the Space Utilisation Manager is to support the Senior Space Utilisation Manager in the following tasks:
1. Enabling the Trust to run and manage its space and the use of space in the most efficient and effective way, in a compliant and safe environment.
2. Support the Capital Development and Property team in the strategic planning of space and managing space demands and requests from the Trust’s multiple users and stakeholders.
3. Advising and managing work to ensure the effective and efficient space utilisation across the Trust property portfolio.
4. Implementation of the Estates Strategy and Masterplans and contribute towards strategic operational planning when vacating/relocating departments prior to undertaking building refurbishments.
The role will include supporting the Capital Development and Property team in the strategic planning of space and managing space demands and requests from the Trust’s multiple users and stakeholders.
The position will entail advising and managing work to ensure effective and efficient space utilisation across the Trust property portfolio.
The role will be work with the Estates Strategy and Masterplans and contribute towards strategic operational planning when vacating/relocating departments prior to undertaking major project refurbishments.
Deputise for the Senior Space Utilisation Manager; this might include representation at senior internal meetings and attendance at external events.
Main duties of the job
The post holder shall be involved in the space management of the physical assets (buildings) of the Trusts’ five main sites as well as satellite sites.
Support the delivery of the UHSussex Capital Plan through involvement in the decanting of properties and relocating of displaced services as required to meet capital project timescales.
Support the implementation of Trust strategies and operational plans in the allocation of space, to support those objectives and retain opportunities. Ensure space is effectively and efficiently utilised.
Contribute to UHSussex Estates Strategy, masterplans and associated site development plans in consideration of predicated space demands or existing space requests. Support the planning and delivery of the estate rationalisation targets proposed in the Estate Strategy to achieve the stated KPIs. Assist the Senior Space Utilisation Manager in running the Estate Strategy rationalisation workstream.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Contribute to the planning and development of the estate, ensuring the provision of safe, fit-for-purpose environments for patients, staff and visitors, which reflect changes in clinical practice, and which are consistent with the strategic aims and objectives of the Trusts.
Attend forums to monitor progress against the annual agreed programmes and to identify and manage space demands, utilisation and property efficiency.
Support the Trust in identifying opportunities to rationalise the estate, ensuring that space is utilised effectively.
Contribute to the efficient management and effective sustainable utilisation of space across the Trust estate.
Create relationships and networks with partners and stakeholders, providing space information, influencing decisions and creative solutions.
To support the Senior Space Utilisation Manager as the Capital Development and Property point of contact on all matters relating to space management.
To provide project management and space utilisation support for projects arising from the Estates Strategy and Masterplans.
Attend and support delivery of the Site-Specific Space Management Groups, including:
· efficient meeting planning and management
· receiving, processing and presenting space requests
· production, analysis, interpretation and comparison of space solutions
· stakeholder engagement at individual, team, directorate/divisions, site-wide and Trust-wide level as required
· implementation of space moves
· liaison with Property Assistant Capital Project Manager to project manage capital works relating to Space Management Group approved moves
· liaison with other divisions including Estates and Facilities, IM&T and external contractors to achieve seamless movement of colleagues
To support the roll out and future management of a digital space booking and utilisation monitoring system. The space booking system is complex, and the post holder must provide training and advice for all new users within the Trust.
To contribute data to the annual production of space utilisation statistical reports and coordinate with other data owners and stakeholders.
Be responsible for producing AutoCAD Technical customised drawings for space planning applications.
Inform the development, review and updating of the Trust’s space utilisation programme.
To ensure that the Trust operates within current national regulations, local policies and best practice in the field of space management. This includes relevant building and healthcare estate statutory and regulatory requirements including Health Technical Memoranda and Health Building Notes.
Budget management and review are key components of this role. The post holder will work with the Senior Space Utilisation Manager and Business Operations to control the budgets for space moves and estate rationalisation actions.
Ensure that all relevant Department of Health publications, guidelines and advisory reports are reviewed, and where necessary action plans are drawn up and implemented.
For additional information please refer to JD
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
5. AutoCAD required a minimum of 2 years Experience
6. Relevant experience in space management
7. Knowledge of NHS/Public Sector
8. Educated to degree Level or equivalent knowledge
Desirable criteria
9. A Masters or equivalent experience in space/property/estate management/facilities management
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
11. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications