Head of Technical FM Services

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a Head of Technical FM Services to lead engineering and infrastructure management and compliance across the UAL estate portfolio.

Now is an exciting time to be joining UAL to take up this role. A 10-year Estates Strategy has been developed which will see the delivery of new campuses for London College of Fashion (completed in 2024) and London College of Communication (to be completed in 2027) as well as a period of estate transformation across our existing portfolio that ensures the UAL estate is fit for purpose, sustainable and provides world-class facilities and experience to our students, staff and partners.  Following the appointment of new Associate Directors in the areas of Estate Development and Facilities Management in 2024, we are now embarking on an investment in the team that will see the appointment to c.25 new roles in these areas.

The Head of Technical FM Services is a pivotal role within the Estates team offering the opportunity to shape the future of our built environment while supporting world leading education in the creative arts.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Facilities Management, you will be responsible for ensuring all statutory and regulatory requirements are met across UAL’s estate. You will lead a team of professionals in delivering planned and reactive maintenance, long term asset management, and capital project support. Your expertise will drive service excellence, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring our facilities meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance.

Your profile

We are looking for an individual with substantial experience in managing technical FM services (inhouse and outsourced) and long term maintenance planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, educated to HNC level or equivalent in disciplines related to electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and fire safety systems, with hands on knowledge of critical power infrastructure including UPS, generators, and CHP systems. Experience in applying Health & Safety principles is essential, ideally supported by NEBOSH or an equivalent certification and familiarity with regulations such as CDM, L8, and asbestos management.

Please check the Candidate Information Pack/Job Description and Person Specification for further information.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.