Job Description

Salary: 38,939 - 47,465
Location: Lancaster with regular travel to Bangor, Wales (multi-site responsibility)
Contract Type: Full time, fixed term - 12 months (maternity cover)
Start Date: Early January 2026
We are seeking a proactive and experienced Workplace Manager to lead soft (site services) facilities operations across our Bangor and Lancaster sites. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality soft services and support staff on both sites with regards to soft services, ensuring compliance, and contractors across both locations.
The successful candidate will be the on-site lead for Workplace operations, overseeing fleet vehicles, waste, cleaning, reception, and service delivery. Communication with main stakeholders including landlords - both Bangor and Lancaster Universities as well as staff at both site is a crucial part for this role.
Regular travel between sites is essential, and a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is required.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Workplace teams at both sites, including administration and operations staff.
• Oversee building and services compliance, health and safety, and service contracts.
• Ensure delivery of safe, clean, and efficient environments aligned with UKCEH standards.
• Manage budgets and procurement in line with organisational procedures.
• Collaborate with the SHE team to maintain updated risk assessments and compliance documentation.
• Support EEDI initiatives and promote inclusive practices across teams.
• Coordinate site visits, audits, and inspections, ensuring leadership presence at both locations.
• Support Sites Services Manager in Customer Service improvement plans across 4 sites

We're looking for someone with:

• A Workplace/Facilities qualification or 5+ years' relevant experience.
• Health and Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH).
• Knowledge of regulations for soft services.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and contractor management skills.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Good understanding of finance and HR processes.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (Can use onsite fleet vehicles) - travel between Bangor and Lancaster is essential.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
As a valued member of our team, you'll get:

• 27 days annual leave, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)

• 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers

• Flexible working opportunities

And much more...
You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
If we've just described you, we'd love to meet. Apply now.

Skills Required