Deputy Head of Technical FM Services

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

UAL is a global leader in creativity, innovation, and invention across the knowledge economy. Comprising six renowned Colleges and four Institutes across London, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UAL is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a creative powerhouse. With a vibrant, multicultural community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.

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 post holder will also support in being accountable for providing all information on the performance of the service to agreed service level standards across the estate, maximising compliance, service quality and continuity. An inspirational leader who sets the very highest of standards, keeping up to date with legislative change and best practice within the industry, contributing to the development of Estates Procedures and specifications and, ensure they are complied with for works projects and maintenance operations. The post holder will be required to work with colleagues to ensure a seamless service to the department and UAL Colleges, proactively assessing and identifying business and stakeholder requirements. You will build collaborative relationships and common understanding with key stakeholders to ensure that the service provision reflects the Estates business requirements.

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of leading Hard FM teams operationally across a diverse, complex estate. You will be Educated to HNC level (or similar) in a relevant technical services discipline and have substantial experience of successfully managing hard maintenance operations, refurbishment projects, development/improvement of long-term maintenance, planned and reactive maintenance systems and procedures and awareness of life cycle costing. You will have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to proactively engage with team members and wider stakeholders.

The Candidate Brochure can be viewed at UAL – Deputy Head of Technical FM Services

For a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett ([email protected]) and Connor Humpage ([email protected]) at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 7 th September 2025.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.