Head of Maintenance, Engineering & Infrastructure

Aston University is seeking an experienced leader to develop a customer-focused maintenance and infrastructure service that supports safe, reliable buildings and effective University operations.

Reporting to the Director of Estates and Capital Development, you will lead multidisciplinary teams and specialist contractors across maintenance, engineering, utilities, grounds and the Estates Helpdesk. Your remit will cover all properties and grounds for which the directorate has maintenance responsibility.

You will oversee planned and reactive maintenance, strengthen compliance assurance and emergency response, and develop costed maintenance and infrastructure investment plans. Working with Capital Projects colleagues, you will provide technical advice and ensure completed assets are ready for operational use.

Improving service quality will be central to the role. You will set clear standards, develop your team and use customer feedback, asset information and digital systems to improve reliability, responsiveness and value. You will also evaluate opportunities for responsible automation and AI where these offer practical benefits.

About you

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience across building fabric and engineering services within a complex, occupied estate.

• Experience managing statutory compliance, budgets, utilities, specialist contracts, emergency response and business continuity.

• A record of improving customer experience and service performance, including implementing digital systems or automated workflows.

• Inclusive leadership, sound technical judgement and the ability to provide clear risk advice and investment recommendations to senior decision-makers.

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification, substantial relevant experience, appropriate professional membership or equivalent standing, and a recognised health and safety qualification or equivalent demonstrable competence supported by training.

Experience in higher education or another complex operational environment is desirable, as is Chartered or Incorporated professional registration.

You will maintain a visible presence across the estate and participate in the formal out-of-hours on-call rota, including attending campus when required under agreed arrangements.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

Aston University may be able to sponsor those who are already on a Skilled Worker Visa issued before 22 July 2025. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa