Director of Estates

The University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint our next Director of Estates. Available for the first time in nearly a decade, the post offers an unprecedented opportunity to shape and deliver our new Campus Vision, lead service excellence across the Estates Division and support delivery of net zero scopes 1 & 2. The post provides strategic advice to the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar and Chief Operating Officer (to whom the post reports) and the University Executive Board.

The Director of Estates for the University of Birmingham will play a key role in helping deliver the institution’s ambitious strategy to become a global top 50 university by 2030, continuing to enhance performance in research and teaching. Ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings, Birmingham has 9,000 staff and 38,000 students. We are a member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities. The University Estate consists of campus sites (Edgbaston & Selly Oak) along with a new campus in Dubai, UAE and properties in Birmingham City Centre, Stratford upon Avon, Tyseley, Ansty (near Coventry), Coniston (in Cumbria) and Ironbridge.

The Estate covers more than 600 acres, with over 200 buildings of different ages, complexities and use, ranging from Grade I and II listed properties to brand new state of the art learning and research spaces. Our heritage as the original ‘redbrick’ is combined with an ambitious agenda to continue the transformation of the University. Over the last 10 years we have undertaken a £1 billion renewal of the campus estate including a new School of Engineering, Molecular Sciences, new Library, Sports Centre, Teaching & Learning Building, Hotel and Conference Centre and the Green Heart – an attractive parkland in the centre of campus.

In collaboration with our staff, students, partners and neighbours, we have developed the 2045 Campus Vision. Working with renowned international architects KPF we have produced a vision which provides a broad framework of ideas for how the University’s estate could be developed over the next two decades and beyond. It will steer our decisions and provide the flexibility to adapt, embrace new technologies and sustainability approaches, and navigate new challenges. You can learn more here 2045 Campus Vision - University of Birmingham.

The Director will play a leading role in realising this vision and delivering the Campus Masterplan and through delivery of ambitious major capital projects.

The Director also leads the Estates Division of c.200 staff, significant financial resources (for 2024/2025 estates capital spend is £90m and revenue spend £38m), and is responsible for leadership, management and excellence in service delivery across a large and varied university estate.

We are seeking an individual with proven experience in estates leadership roles within large, complex industry-leading organisations and who has a track record of delivering major capital programmes, and of setting a clear vision and inspiring their team to deliver this. They will also be a collaborative team player and will relish the chance to play an influential role in the advancement of the university and its ambition to become a global top 50 university.

To learn more, visit the candidate brochure at Director of Estates

The closing date for applications is 18^th September 2024. Interviews will take place on campus late October and early November 2024.

To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our advisors Michael Hewlett (07972 579 938 / michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com ) or Ben Duffill (07976 125 010 / ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com ) at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and can be sent to michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com and ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com. Contact for application enquiries is sally.brockway@mrgglobal.com.