Maintenance Manager Visa Sponsorship UK

Job Description

Maintenance Manager

Location: Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
Hours: Full time – 37 hours per week
Interview Date: 2 February 2026

About the Role

The University of Northampton is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Maintenance Manager to take a leading role in managing and improving the University’s estate. Based at the Waterside Campus, this position sits within Estates & Campus Services and plays a vital part in ensuring our buildings, infrastructure, and external spaces are safe, compliant, and well maintained.

This is a senior leadership role with real influence. You will help shape the future of the University’s physical environment while supporting sustainability targets, business continuity, and a positive experience for students, staff, and visitors.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Maintenance Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Building Services and External Services, ensuring both planned and reactive maintenance activities are delivered to a high standard.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and supporting in-house maintenance teams
• Managing external contractors and subcontractors, including performance, mobilisation, and compliance
• Overseeing statutory maintenance, health and safety requirements, and the Permit to Work system
• Ensuring buildings and systems meet regulatory and operational standards
• Supporting carbon reduction initiatives and the University’s long-term sustainability goals
• Managing maintenance projects and providing expert guidance to internal stakeholders
• Responding effectively to issues that impact service delivery or campus operations

This role requires a confident decision-maker who can balance day-to-day operational demands with longer-term strategic planning.

About You

You will bring strong leadership experience within a maintenance or facilities environment, along with a solid understanding of statutory compliance and health and safety obligations.

You will be someone who:

• Has proven experience managing both in-house teams and external contractors
• Is confident overseeing planned and reactive maintenance programmes
• Has strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and contractor control
• Can manage contracts effectively and address underperformance when needed
• Communicates well with senior stakeholders and cross-departmental teams
• Takes a proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in a relevant discipline or a recognised professional qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• IOSH qualification (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical and/or Electrical Services

About the University of Northampton

At the University of Northampton, people are at the centre of everything we do. We are proud of our inclusive culture and our commitment to creating opportunities, supporting ambition, and delivering meaningful impact through education and research.

This role is employed under 1st Degree Facilities, a trading name of UNEL, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University. UNEL terms and conditions apply.

Our Values

Our work is guided by a clear set of values that shape how we support our community:

• Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming environment where everyone can succeed
• Sustainability: Working towards net zero carbon through collective responsibility
• Aspiration: Encouraging excellence and continuous improvement
• Trust: Building open, respectful, and transparent relationships

Together, these values help us create a campus and community that truly make a difference.

Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship

All shortlisted candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK at interview. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements under the UK’s points-based immigration system.
You can find official guidance on right-to-work checks here:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of employment and education.

Through our Together @ UON approach, we promote:

• A zero-tolerance stance on discrimination
• Strong wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability confidence and inclusive recruitment practices
• Ongoing action to reduce inequality and improve representation

Our major commitments include Disability Confident, the Standalone Pledge, and adoption of the IHRA Working Definition.