Head of Lifecycle Management and Minor Works

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. 

Overview

The Department of Estates and Facilities Management (EFM) at the University of Sheffield is responsible for maintaining the University's buildings, facilities and grounds, managing its property and facilities and procuring new buildings. The EFM team is at the forefront of the University’s strategic programmes - planning, managing and delivering developments.

The Head of Lifecycle Management & Minor Works is a critical senior leadership post within the Development, Space & Property team, responsible for the strategic management and operational delivery of the University’s infrastructure replacement portfolio, including the £14 million annual Capital Backlog Programme.

As the key decision-maker, you will be expected to drive the long-term asset lifecycle strategy and provide expert technical authority for Building Surveying and M&E issues across the estate, providing the expert oversight necessary to mitigate high-level institutional risks related to statutory compliance, health and safety, and asset failure

The role demands experience in managing complex programmes with multiple stakeholders and is accountable for leading the delivery of lifecycle and minor works projects. You will need to ensure full compliance, including discharging the University’s duties under CDM 2015, whilst governing significant capital and revenue budgets and preparing reports to gain approval and report on progress through Executive and University Governance groups.

You will lead multiple project delivery teams, manage key stakeholder relationships, and strategically align the minor works programme with the Head of Capital Projects to achieve a unified approach to all campus investment.

Main duties and responsibilities

Strategic Programme Management & Asset Lifecycle

• Lead the strategic planning and operational delivery of the Capital Backlog Programme.
• Co-ordinate the asset lifecycle plans and utilise asset condition data to inform the prioritisation of all lifecycle replacement schedules.
• Collaborate with the Head of Estates PMO & Head of Capital Projects to ensure that asset condition and lifecycle data is accurately integrated into the central reporting framework.
• Act as the primary technical authority for Building Surveying and M&E, providing the expert oversight.
• Manage key surveying activities, including property condition reporting, pre-acquisition/disposal surveys, and the strategic management of the University’s Accessibility Improvement Programme.

Project Delivery

• Lead on the timely delivery of minor works projects across the estate, ensuring all projects are scoped, executed, and completed within budget and time constraints.
• Implement and manage appropriate delivery mechanisms, including frameworks for specialist contractors where appropriate.
• Provide expert technical authority for Building Surveying and M&E issues, diagnosing complex building issues, identifying defects, and defining remediation strategies.
• Complete the University's statutory duties as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor (where required) under CDM 2015 for the Minor Works and Capital Backlog Programmes.
• Ensure all projects are designed and delivered in full compliance with all relevant statutory legislation.

Financial Management & Governance

• Develop, manage, and control significant capital and revenue budgets dedicated to the Infrastructure and Capital Backlog Programmes.
• Implement robust project and financial management processes to track performance, manage risk, and achieve strategic objectives.
• Lead colleagues to formulate business cases and requirements for capital build, refurbishment and maintenance projects.
• Prepare and present progress, risk, and audit reports for the Minor Works and Capital Backlog Programmes to Executive and University Governance groups.
• Undertake Post Project Reviews for a sample of projects each year, present findings and implement improvements.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, and technical mentorship to internal project delivery.
• Manage external consultants and specialist service providers for technical input, surveying, and works delivery.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.