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. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Reporting to the Facilities Managers in the University Estates & Facilities Management (EFM) team, you will operate at a senior level within EFM and will work alongside one or more Faculties/Professional Services. This role is pivotal in representing Faculty FM requirements and priorities within EFM and raising the profile of FM within the Faculties and breaking down barriers.

You will provide leadership to existing FM front line teams, providing operational Line Management and direction to those staff within a significant and designated area of the University Estate. This is a key role in supporting the core business of teaching and research, ensuring the experience and overall impression of the University by students, staff and visitors is one of excellence. Promoting FM operations within the faculties, you will seek to work collaboratively with colleagues in an assured and sustainable manner.

With excellent interpersonal and communication skills, you will have a positive, flexible approach to the role and demonstrate a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional quality customer centric FM services and a high standard of customer care.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Oversee facilities management service delivery in specific areas, taking responsibility for resource allocation, procedure adherence, and meeting standards.
• Provide specialist FM guidance on rostering, equipment, IT technology, and service monitoring via audits. Interpret requirements and deliver staff training through toolbox talks.
• Plan and allocate work using project management techniques for short-to-medium-term projects, while maintaining awareness of longer-term issues.
• Liaise and build relationships with Faculty and Professional Services colleagues, attending meetings to represent Facilities Management and Campus Services
• Interpret customer requirements and provide suitable solutions, recommending alternative courses of action where necessary.
• Take a proactive approach to problem-solving and process analysis to ensure efficient, LEAN, and continuous improvement. Influence improvements across departments by collaborating with Facilities Managers and Professional Services.
• Deal with queries referred from Supervisors, sourcing information from support services like HR. Escalate to Facilities Managers when appropriate while providing immediate resolution where possible.
• Apply people processes in line with university policies by investigating, writing management reports, presenting cases, and assisting on panels.
• Carry out short-term projects within the FM team and contribute to wider Campus Services initiatives. Participate in and advise working groups as required.
• Develop and implement new technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of FM services.
• Collate and present information regarding future staff and equipment requirements to inform departmental decision-making.
• Ensure Health & Safety practices are adhered to, providing a safe environment in accordance with legislation. This includes conducting risk assessments, building checks, and audits.
• Complete annual staff reviews and identify training requirements that support business needs.
• Embed the University sustainability strategy into working activities by making ethical decisions within the role.
• Requirement to drive a van to various work locations on and off main Campus
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the interviews will take place week commencing Monday 10th August The selection process will consist of Interview questions and a written exercise. It is envisaged that the start date would be 1st October 2026.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Rachel Taylor on r.taylor@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 23/07/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.