UK Visa Sponsorship: Head of Estates Operations South
UK Visa Sponsorship: Lead the Infrastructure That Enables World‑Class Science
At STFC, our estates do far more than house buildings — they enable discoveries that change lives. From space exploration to medical breakthroughs, our facilities underpin some of the UK’s most important scientific work.
We’re now seeking a Head of Estates Operations South (Hard FM) to provide strategic and operational leadership for maintenance and minor works across the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This senior role sits at the heart of a complex, high‑risk, science‑critical environment where safety, resilience, and performance are non‑negotiable.
Your Role and Impact
As a senior member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will shape how hard facilities management services are delivered across the South portfolio. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams and supply chain partners to ensure the estate remains safe, compliant, sustainable, and ready to support cutting‑edge research.
Working closely with the Head of Estates North, you’ll align strategy and performance nationally, ensuring a consistent STFC approach while responding to local operational needs.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Leading safe, compliant delivery of planned and reactive maintenance and minor works programmes
Setting and delivering a resourcing and procurement strategy that balances in‑house capability with an effective supply chain
Acting as Principal Accountable Person, owning statutory compliance and the Estates Health & Safety Management System
Embedding environmental sustainability, carbon reduction, and whole‑life asset thinking into operational decisions
Using performance data and asset intelligence to drive continuous improvement and long‑term planning
uilding strong, trusted relationships with scientific users, senior stakeholders, and commercial partners
Producing executive‑level reports, assurance papers, and business cases for investment and risk management
Championing inclusive leadership, organisational values, and service transformation across Hard FM services
About You
You are a senior Estates or Facilities Management leader with experience delivering services in complex, regulated environments. You are comfortable operating at executive level, balancing operational grip with long‑term strategic thinking.
You’ll bring:
Proven leadership of estates or Hard FM services using mixed delivery models
Strong knowledge of statutory compliance, health & safety, and public‑sector procurement
Experience managing risk, performance, and assurance in high‑hazard or mission‑critical estates
A collaborative, influential leadership style with excellent stakeholder skills
A strong commitment to sustainability, safety, and whole‑life asset management
Security & Eligibility Requirements
This role requires National Security Vetting. Applicants must have been continuously resident in the UK for the last 5 years. This requirement applies regardless of current right‑to‑work or visa status.
Pay, Benefits & Work–Life Balance
STFC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and long‑term career development, including:
30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
Flexible working arrangements
An excellent defined‑benefit pension scheme
On‑site nursery, subsidised catering, and social/sporting clubs
Opportunities to work alongside world‑leading scientists and engineers
Visa Information
Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should review UK Home Office guidance. UKRI may reimburse some visa costs once employment begins.
Relevant UK Government & Official Guidance
Health and Safety Executive (HSE): https://www.hse.gov.uk
UK Government – Skilled Worker Visa: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an Estates or Hard FM leader who wants to enable world‑class science through excellent, safe, and sustainable operations, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.