Buildings Director- 2 Month FTC

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning.  We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.  Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.   

This is a temporary senior leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering best-in-class building and facilities management services across the UK portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Estates & FM (UK), you will provide strategic and operational leadership to the Building Operations team, ensuring safe, compliant, customer-focused, and financially sustainable environments that support outstanding student and staff experiences.

You will play a critical role in driving consistency, performance, innovation, and sustainability across a complex multi-site estate, while acting as a trusted operational partner to institutions and senior stakeholders.

Summary of role:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead, develop, and inspire the UK Building Operations team, embedding a high‑performance, customer‑centric culture

• Provide strategic operational insight to support campus planning, estate strategy, and capital investment decisions

• Establish and embed robust governance, accountability, and performance frameworks across building operations

• Deliver continuous improvement, service innovation, and value for money

Facilities, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure all buildings and services are safe, compliant, and fully aligned with statutory, regulatory, and Group standards

• Lead health & safety governance, including statutory compliance, training, emergency planning, and business continuity

• Identify, manage, and mitigate operational and financial risk across the estate

Service Delivery & Stakeholder Manager

• Oversee consistent delivery of hard and soft FM services across all UK sites

• Manage and optimise contracts, suppliers, and service partners through a collaborative “one-team” approach

• Build strong, proactive relationships with institutions, anticipating needs and resolving issues that impact the academic experience

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Someone immediately available who can join on a short-term fixed term contract

• Significant senior leadership experience in estates, building, or facilities management within a complex, multi-site environment

• Proven track record of leading high-performing operational teams and delivering service transformation

• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance, health & safety, risk management, and building regulations

• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline

• NEBOSH / IOSH qualification and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IWFM)

Desirable

• Experience in a large international or matrix organisation

• Experience within a Higher Education or similarly regulated environment

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays - time to rest, recharge, and balance life beyond work.

• Contributory Pension Scheme - 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution, so you can build long-term financial security with added benefits of the company contributions.

• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) - spread the cost of your commute with an interest-free travel loan.

• Eye Care Vouchers - support for regular eye tests and essential eyewear. 

• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) - access to short courses via FutureLearn and Group-wide professional development programmes.

• Staff Discount Scheme - via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics, etc

• Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support for your wellbeing, whenever you need it.

• Refer a Friend Scheme for staff members (T&C's apply) - earn rewards for helping us bring great talent into the team

If you feel this is the role you are looking for, please click below to apply for the role! 

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success in your job search.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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