About us

UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 50,000 students and 15,000 staff, is one of the world’s top 10 universities and is recognised as one of the most successful research institutions in the world, consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2024) and is 2nd in the UK for research power and 1st in London (REF 2021).

The UCL Estate comprises over 270 buildings valued at over £3 Billion, more than four million square feet of academic accommodation and approaching 4,250 student bedrooms. The scale, variety and complexity of the Estate are unparalleled in the Higher Education sector.

The Area Facilities Management Team (AFM Team) are part of the Campus Experience and Infrastructure division. The AFM Team enables and facilitates the smooth running of the Estate and enhances the customer experience by overseeing campus operations.

About the role

We are recruiting for an Area Facilities Manager who will play a senior operational role within UCL’s Campus Experience & Infrastructure division, with responsibility for the effective management of a defined geographical area of the Bloomsbury campus. Reporting to the Head of Facilities Management, you will provide leadership across a diverse and complex estate, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and with a strong focus on customer experience.

You will develop a detailed understanding of activity across your area, working closely with academic and professional services leaders to support smooth day-to-day operations and to advise on planned works and activities that span multiple buildings. Acting as a key point of escalation, you will coordinate responses to incidents, complaints and complex operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.

A central element of the role is the line management and development of Facilities Managers and Facilities Assistants. You will provide leadership, oversight and support to your team, setting priorities, monitoring performance and fostering a collaborative and professional service culture. You will also deputise for Facilities Managers where required and play an active role in recruitment, appraisal and staff development.

You will use data and insight from inspections, audits and operational reporting to identify trends, manage risk and drive continuous improvement. The role includes managing a delegated budget for targeted works and enhancement projects, representing the service at working groups and committees, and working closely with landlords and specialist CE&I teams to ensure compliance, safety and service standards are maintained.

About you

You will bring substantial practical experience of managing or overseeing estates and facilities services within a large, complex organisation, with a strong understanding of health and safety legislation and its application in an operational environment. You will have experience of working with contractors and in-house teams, and of balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

An experienced people manager, you will be confident leading, supporting and developing staff, and comfortable taking accountability for performance, decision-making and outcomes. You will have a collaborative leadership style and be able to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing effectively and communicating clearly even in pressured or ambiguous situations.

You will be confident using IT systems to support and oversee facilities operations, including helpdesk or integrated workplace management systems, and will be comfortable using data to inform decisions and report on performance. Experience of working within higher education or a similarly complex estate would be advantageous, as would familiarity with service specifications, contracts or SLAs.

You will be motivated by delivering high-quality services, improving the campus experience and working inclusively with colleagues, students and partners. Above all, you will bring sound judgement, resilience and a proactive approach to solving complex operational challenges.

What we offer

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits. Find out more:

• Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

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