Job Summary Table of Direct Works Manager

Direct Works Manager: Leading Estate Maintenance Excellence

Job Description Summary

The Direct Works Manager position at the University of Exeter provides the managerial and technical leadership for the delivery of comprehensive maintenance operations by the inhouse team, ensuring university estates remain in statutory compliant condition with minimal operational downtime.

Responsibilities in Estate Maintenance Management

The Direct Works Manager role encompasses a broad spectrum of critical responsibilities essential for maintaining the university’s extensive facilities. As the technical lead within the Engineering and Direct Works team, you’ll oversee:

• Technical Leadership & Compliance Management: Directing the delivery of planned preventative and reactive maintenance operations while ensuring all work meets statutory compliance standards across the university estate.

• Maintenance Program Development: Creating, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive maintenance schedules that minimize disruption to university operations while maximizing facility uptime.

• Team Management & Resource Allocation: Leading a diverse technical team handling an exceptionally wide range of maintenance tasks, from electrical systems to structural repairs.

• Systems Oversight: Managing high, low, and extra low voltage commercial/domestic electrical systems, fire alarms, emergency lighting, and commercial and domestic electric and gas appliances.

• Mechanical Installation Supervision: Overseeing maintenance of mechanical plant installations (HVAC) including plumbing and pressure systems throughout the campus facilities.

• Structural Maintenance Coordination: Directing carpentry, joinery, locking systems, bricklaying, painting, decorating, and numerous specialized maintenance tasks.

• Energy Management Support: Contributing to the day-to-day maintenance of energy management systems to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

• Event Support Management: Coordinating equipment setup and technical support for university events in the Great Hall, Lemon Grove, and temporary events across campus.

Direct Works Manager: Essential Skills and Qualifications

While specific qualifications aren’t detailed in the original posting, the Direct Works Manager position clearly requires:

• Proven leadership experience in facilities or estate management roles
• Technical expertise across multiple maintenance disciplines
• Strong project management capabilities for coordinating diverse maintenance operations
• Regulatory knowledge related to building maintenance compliance requirements
• Team leadership skills for directing maintenance personnel effectively
• Budget management abilities for resource allocation
• Problem-solving aptitude for addressing complex maintenance challenges
• Communication excellence for coordinating with stakeholders across the university

Benefits and Perks for University Maintenance Leadership

The University of Exeter offers an exceptional benefits package for the Direct Works Manager position:

• Generous Leave Allocation: 41 days of annual leave
• Work-Life Balance: Options for flexible working arrangements
• Four-Day Working Week: Compressed workweek structure
• Comprehensive Pension Scheme: Long-term financial security
• Health & Wellness: Access to onsite gyms and cycle-to-work scheme
• Family-Friendly Policies: Industry-leading maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a dedicated Fertility Treatment Policy
• Inspirational Environment: Stunning campus settings in Exeter and Cornwall in the beautiful South West of England
• Relocation Package: Available for eligible candidates

Company Overview: University of Exeter Excellence

The University of Exeter stands among the UK’s leading educational institutions, committed to delivering world-class research and exceptional student experiences. With vibrant campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, the university combines academic excellence with stunning surroundings in the picturesque South West of England.

Home to over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, the university offers a truly global environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. The Estate Services department plays a crucial role in maintaining the university’s world-class facilities that support this academic excellence.

University Culture: Diversity and Inclusion in Estate Management

The University of Exeter cultivates an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and supported to reach their full potential. The Direct Works Manager will join an environment where:

• Diverse perspectives are celebrated as a major institutional strength
• Professional development is actively encouraged and supported
• Collaboration across departments drives innovative solutions
• Work-life balance is respected through flexible policies
• Community engagement connects university operations with broader societal impacts

Career Growth Opportunities in University Estate Management

As Direct Works Manager at the University of Exeter, your career development possibilities extend across the institution’s expanding estate portfolio. Potential growth paths include:

• Advancement to senior estate management roles
• Specialization in sustainability and energy management leadership
• Project management for major campus development initiatives
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic facilities planning
• Professional development through industry accreditation programs

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Facilities Management

The University of Exeter demonstrates an unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. For the Direct Works Manager position, this commitment means:

• Actively fostering a workplace where diverse voices are heard and valued
• Engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks including Athena SWAN (gender equality), Race Equality Charter Mark, LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
• Recognition as a Disability Confident employer
• Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, welcoming applications from service people

Equal Opportunity Statement for Direct Works Management

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, furthering their commitment to building a truly diverse maintenance leadership team.

Remote Work Policy for Estate Management

The Direct Works Manager position requires on-site presence to effectively oversee campus maintenance operations. While the university offers flexible working options where operationally feasible, the nature of estate management necessitates regular physical presence across university facilities.

Application Process for Direct Works Management

1. Review the complete Job Description and Person Specification document
2. Submit your application through the University of Exeter’s recruitment portal
3. If shortlisted, participate in the interview process
4. Discuss role specifics with the hiring manager
5. Receive decision and potential offer details

How to Apply for University Maintenance Leadership

For an informal discussion about the Direct Works Manager role, please contact Alan Orgée at a.orgee@exeter.ac.uk or (01392) 726578. To submit a formal application, visit the University of Exeter Jobs Portal and follow the application instructions.

FAQs About the Direct Works Manager Position

Q: What are the working hours for this position?

A: The contractual hours for this role are 36.5 hours per week, structured as a four-day working week.

Q: Is relocation assistance available?

A: Yes, the university offers a relocation package for eligible candidates.

Q: What is the starting salary?

A: The starting salary will be from £49,559 on Grade G, depending on qualifications and experience.

Q: Is this a permanent position?

A: Yes, this is a permanent, full-time position within the Engineering and Direct Works team.

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