Head of Estates Operations South Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Head of Estates Maintenance & Minor Works (South Portfolio)

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: £81,457 – £89,601 per annum
Contract: Open-ended, Full Time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire (OX11 0QX)
Closing Date: 11 January 2026

Please note: We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications are encouraged.

About STFC

At the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our people sit at the heart of some of the world’s most important scientific discoveries. From advancing space exploration to supporting breakthroughs in healthcare and energy, our estates and infrastructure play a critical role in enabling research that genuinely changes lives.

By joining STFC, you will work alongside world-leading scientists, engineers and specialists in an environment that values curiosity, learning and collaboration. This is a place where your leadership directly supports science that benefits society.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Estates professional to lead maintenance and minor works delivery across the South Portfolio at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This senior leadership role is essential to ensuring the estate remains safe, compliant, resilient and fit for purpose within a highly specialised, science-critical environment.

You will lead both in-house teams and external suppliers, shaping a robust resourcing and procurement strategy that balances operational excellence with value for money. Health and safety, statutory compliance and environmental sustainability will be central to every decision you make.

As a key member of the Estates Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Head of Estates North to align strategy, standards and performance nationally, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach across STFC’s estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of maintenance and minor works programmes across the South Portfolio.
• Set and deliver a resourcing and procurement strategy that meets public sector regulations and optimises in-house capability and supplier performance.
• Act as the Principal Accountable Person, providing assurance on statutory compliance and ownership of the Estates Health and Safety Management System.
• Embed sustainability, carbon awareness and whole-life asset thinking into operational delivery and investment planning.
• Use performance data and insight to inform short-, medium- and long-term planning and continuous service improvement.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with scientific users, senior stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports, performance dashboards and business cases, highlighting risks, opportunities and assurance on delivery.
• Champion inclusive leadership, organisational values and service transformation across hard facilities management services.

About You

You will be an accomplished Estates or Facilities Management leader with a proven record of delivering complex services through a mix of in-house teams and outsourced contracts. You are confident leading people, managing performance and influencing at senior and executive levels.

You bring a strategic mindset alongside strong operational control, with a genuine commitment to safety, sustainability and enabling world-class science through excellent estates services.

Working in partnership with the Head of Estates North, you will contribute to national alignment, executive assurance and long-term estate resilience.

Why Join Us?

STFC offers an excellent benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance, including:

• 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working arrangements
• An outstanding defined-benefit pension scheme
• Workplace nursery facilities
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Access to social, sporting and wellbeing activities

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, STFC offers continual opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to work that truly matters.

Visa Sponsorship & Security Clearance

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, you will need to pay the relevant Home Office application fees before starting your role. UKRI is usually able to reimburse some or all of these costs once you are employed. Further details are available on the UK government website:
Skilled Worker visa fees and costs – GOV.UK

This role is subject to additional National Security Vetting. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for the last five continuous years. This requirement applies regardless of current right-to-work or visa status. Candidates who do not meet this residency requirement are not eligible.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining your suitability for the role.
Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Join STFC and help shape the estates that support some of the most important scientific work in the world.