Job Summary Table of Direct Works Manager

Job Description Summary

The Direct Works Manager at the University of Exeter provides managerial and technical leadership for the delivery of planned preventative and reactive maintenance by the in-house maintenance team, ensuring the university’s estate remains in statutory compliant condition with minimal operational downtime.

🔧 Responsibilities

• Provide managerial and technical leadership for the in-house maintenance team
• Oversee delivery of planned preventative maintenance across university facilities
• Coordinate reactive maintenance responses to maintain minimal downtime
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with statutory requirements
• Supervise diverse maintenance operations including electrical systems, fire alarms, emergency lighting, mechanical plant installations, and structural maintenance
• Support the day-to-day maintenance of energy management systems
• Facilitate equipment setup for university events in venues like the Great Hall and Lemon Grove
• Manage maintenance of high, low, and extra low voltage commercial/domestic electrical systems
• Oversee maintenance of commercial and domestic electric and gas appliances
• Coordinate plumbing, pressure systems, and HVAC maintenance operations
• Supervise carpentry, joinery, locking systems, bricklaying, and painting services
• Lead and develop the in-house maintenance team to deliver excellent service

🌟 Benefits and Perks

• Generous 41 days of leave per year
• Four-day working week structure
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Relocation package (if applicable)
• Flexible working options
• On-site gym facilities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Industry-leading maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies (up to 26 weeks full pay)
• Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay)
• Fertility Treatment Policy
• Beautiful campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall in the South West of England

🏫 Company Overview

The University of Exeter is a prestigious higher education institution in the United Kingdom, known for its excellence in teaching and research. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, the university offers a diverse and engaging environment where diversity is celebrated as a major strength. The university’s estate requires expert maintenance to support its world-class education and research activities.

🤝 Company Culture

The University of Exeter values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. The institution fosters an inclusive culture where all members of the community are supported to thrive. The Engineering and Direct Works team plays a crucial role in maintaining the university’s infrastructure, ensuring optimal conditions for learning, research, and campus life. Team members enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities to contribute to the university’s mission through their technical expertise.

📈 Career Growth Opportunities

Working within the University of Exeter’s Estate Services provides excellent opportunities for career advancement in facilities management, maintenance operations, and leadership roles within higher education. The diverse nature of maintenance tasks offers continuous learning and skill development across multiple technical disciplines. The university supports professional development and encourages staff to expand their capabilities.

🌈 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Exeter is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive. The institution engages with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion), and is a Disability Confident employer. Diverse voices are heard and valued as a major strength within the university community.

⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Exeter is committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, the university particularly welcomes applications from groups currently underrepresented within their working community. The university is proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcomes applications from service people.

🏠 Remote Work Policy

This position requires on-site presence to effectively manage the university’s physical infrastructure and maintenance teams. The role is based at the University of Exeter campus, though the university does offer some flexible working options where appropriate for the position.

📝 Application Process

1. Review the complete Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role
2. Submit your application through the University of Exeter’s online recruitment portal
3. If selected, attend an interview where reasonable adjustments can be provided if required
4. Upon selection, coordinate with HR regarding onboarding procedures and start date

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2025.

📤 How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Exeter’s recruitment portal. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Alan Orgée at a.orgee@exeter.ac.uk or call (01392) 726578.

🔍 Direct Works Manager: Your Role in University Excellence

As the Direct Works Manager at the University of Exeter, you’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports world-class education and research. The Engineering and Direct Works department handles an exceptionally diverse range of tasks that keep the university functioning smoothly and safely. From ensuring legislative compliance to maintaining critical systems, your leadership will directly impact the university experience for thousands of students and staff.

The role requires a skilled professional who can coordinate multiple maintenance disciplines including electrical systems, fire alarms, emergency lighting, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and structural maintenance. Your technical expertise will ensure all university systems remain in optimal condition while your management skills will guide a talented in-house team to deliver exceptional service.

📊 Maintaining University Excellence Through Facilities Leadership

The Direct Works Manager position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to higher education excellence through expert facilities management. Universities depend on reliable infrastructure to deliver their educational mission, and this role places you at the center of those essential operations. Your work will support important research, facilitate engaging learning environments, and maintain the beautiful campus that attracts students from around the world.

Working at the University of Exeter also means joining an institution committed to positive workplace policies, including generous leave allocations, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits. The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a welcoming environment where professionals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute.

If you’re an experienced facilities management professional seeking a rewarding role with impact, the Direct Works Manager position offers the perfect blend of technical challenge and meaningful contribution to educational excellence.

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