Ref Number
B
Professional Expertise
Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety
Department
Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£68,284-£76,244
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
06-Oct-2025
About us
UCL is London's Global University – home to bold thinkers, change-makers, and problem-solvers. With an estate valued at over £3 billion and comprising more than 270 buildings, four million square feet of academic space, and 4,250 student bedrooms, we manage one of the most diverse and complex estates in UK higher education.
As part of a £1.25bn 10-year capital programme, our Campus Experience & Infrastructure Division is transforming the way our community learns, works, and collaborates. With an annual budget exceeding £100 million, we're shaping the future of a world-class estate at the heart of central London.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Maintenance Operations Manager (Deputy to Head of Maintenance Ops) to lead the delivery of safe, efficient, and customer-focused in-house Mechanical, Electrical, CHP, and Fabric Maintenance services across all UCL sites.
This pivotal role will see you:
* Leading the performance of UCL's Maintenance Operations Team (MOT), including Building Surveyors and Supervisors.
* Managing the safe and reliable operation of critical utilities such as CHP, steam boilers, hot water, drainage, and HV/LV electrical distribution.
* Driving efficiency through planned and reactive maintenance, optimisation of resources, and KPI-driven performance.
* Leading on incident management, statutory compliance, and Health & Safety across a diverse and complex portfolio.
* Overseeing procurement, budgets, and lifecycle replacement planning to deliver best value.
* Supporting UCL's sustainability agenda through efficient energy use and utilities management.
About you
You will bring:
* A strong technical background in mechanical and electrical operations.
* Proven management experience in utilities, CHP, steam, district heating, and 24/7 critical maintenance environments.
* Authorised Person-level knowledge of permit-to-work procedures and statutory compliance.
* Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to motivate diverse teams and deliver results in a customer-focused environment.
* Strong budget management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Join us
This is your chance to play a key role in shaping the future of UCL's estate and contribute to the success of a global top-10 university.
Apply now to lead operations at the heart of London's Global University.
Hybrid working at UCL
At UCL, we value flexibility and collaboration. This role is based on our central London campus, and as part of our hybrid working framework, you'll be required to work on-site for a proportion of your time to support operational excellence, team leadership, and service delivery. Hybrid working guidance for all staff | UCL Human Resources - UCL – University College London
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
* 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
* Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Immigration loan
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On-Site nursery
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
* Discounted medical insurance
Visit to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women."
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy