The University of Manchester is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and is looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced Deputy Head of Compliance (Contracts) to join our team and help us navigate the complexities of contract management and compliance. As an ideal candidate, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of specialist maintenance and compliance contracts across our diverse estate.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Compliance and Maintenance (FMC), you will oversee a team of Contracts Managers and specialist staff, ensuring statutory compliance, service excellence, and value for money. You’ll manage a portfolio of high-value contracts covering mechanical, electrical, fire safety, security, and moreplaying a key role in maintaining a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant environment for our students, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop a high-performing contracts team.
* Manage specialist contracts and ensure robust governance and supplier performance.
* Drive procurement, re-tendering, and contract strategy development.
* Monitor budgets and identify efficiencies across multiple contracts.
* Collaborate with Estates colleagues to ensure seamless service delivery.
* Promote health, safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
* Act as deputy to the Head of Compliance and Maintenance when required.
About You
You’ll bring:
* Proven leadership in estates, facilities, or engineering environments.
* Strong contract management and procurement expertise.
* In-depth knowledge of statutory compliance and building systems.
* Financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* A qualification at HND/HNC level (or equivalent) in engineering, facilities, or building services.
Desirable: NEBOSH/IOSH qualification, membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IWFM, CIBSE, IFE, CIPS), and experience in higher education or public-sector estates.
What you will get in return:
* Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk .
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: FMC Operational Services
Email: FMCOperationalServices@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
0161 850 2004
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.