Job Description

Are you an accomplished transformation professional seeking a pivotal leadership role supporting the Chief Property Officer in advancing the Directorate of Estates & Facilities toward its ambitious new goals?


The University of Manchester is inviting applications for the position of Assistant to the Chief Property Officer. This role will play a critical part in formulating and executing strategic plans, driving service transformation, and enhancing the overall impact of the Directorate.


The Estates & Facilities Directorate covers a broad spectrum of activities, from commercial services to the delivery of major projects, across an extensive and complex property portfolio. We are dedicated to optimising our estate and associated services, deploying innovative technologies, adopting modern working practices, strengthening collaborative leadership, and ensuring robust governance. We are committed to redefining the potential of our campus, supporting our staff, student communities, and innovation partners.


If you are motivated by transformational and purposeful leadership and you aspire to shape the future of higher education on one of the UK's greatest university campuses, we encourage you to apply.

About the Role

As Assistant to the Chief Property Officer, you will provide comprehensive support across transformational initiatives, finance, business management, change and resource management, business insight, continuous improvement, all aspects of our governance and our compliance requirements, and serve as the first line of support to the Chief Property Officer. You will be instrumental in assisting the Directorate and its senior leadership team in achieving organisational goals efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Chief Property Officer, you will:

Lead the development and execution of the Estates & Facilities Directorate's core governance documentation from its 3 year Directorate Plan, to its People Plan, to the Directorate Risk Register etc., ensuring alignment of the Directorate with the University's overarching Manchester 2035 strategy. Prepare, support and manage essential management "pillar" documents e.g. Directorate Budget, Service Catalogues, Service Plans, Emergency Rotas, Overarching Directorate Project Workbook, Resource Schedules, Directorate Yearly Planner, Decision Forward Plan, Comms Plan etc. Prepare and develop key policy areas and action plans required to ensure the execution of the Estates and Facilities services are effective and impactful. Produce high-quality reports, analyses, and briefing materials to facilitate effective decision-making at the University's senior levels. Promote best practices and continuous improvement in portfolio, project, and programme management to ensure timely, on-budget, and quality outcomes. Oversee performance reporting and improvement planning, monitor progress against established metrics, and identify opportunities for enhancement. Coordinate and facilitate critical forums such as Leadership Transformation Days, Senior Leadership Team meetings, Extended Leadership sessions, and Improvement and Performance Clinics. Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Property Officer and senior stakeholders across Estates & Facilities, Professional Services, and Faculties. Handle complex and sensitive matters with professionalism, ensuring compliance with Information Governance, Data Protection, Equality and Diversity, and Health and Safety policies. Foster and champion, a positive, collaborative culture within Estates & Facilities, promoting values of inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility.

What We're Looking For:

You'll be a highly skilled business professional with a proven ability to lead in large, complex environments. Your experience and qualities will include:

Degree-level education or equivalent experience in the built environment or a complimentary sector Professional qualifications in project and change management (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, BCS,) or comparable experience A strong track record of delivering strategic and operational leadership, ideally within Higher Education or similarly complex sectors Expertise in portfolio, programme, and project management, including budgetary planning and performance reporting Outstanding communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels A commitment to driving innovation, continuous improvement, and positive culture change

Just as importantly, you'll share our values and be inspired by the opportunity to build an environment where people, ideas, and communities can thrive.

Why Work at the University of Manchester?

Join a world-class institution that values diversity and equality in the workplace.


Benefit from a range of staff benefits, including family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and career development opportunities. Access to training and mentorship to support your career growth, with structured development plans and performance reviews.


Be part of a global institution in a vibrant, culturally diverse city, with support for international applicants and relocation assistance.


The University of Manchester is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.


We invite applications from all backgrounds and look forward to welcoming the next member of our team to the Directorate of Estates and Facilities.


As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.


Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here


Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.


Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.


Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Ben Usher


Email: ben.usher@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.