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

You will be motivated to work outside in all weather, where you will be responsible for overseeing work carried out by the roof and hard standings maintenance technicians. You will lead the physical cleaning of extraneous debris from roof spaces and hard standings throughout the University estate, using specialist and non-specialist equipment. You will be responsible for the safe use of equipment, including MEWPS and cherry pickers, to access roof spaces and be competent in the use of a wide range of equipment to effectively clean a broad array of roof and ground-level external spaces. You will be experienced in effective supervision of staff, scheduling, and prioritising workloads. You will provide effective, wide-ranging solutions to staff, customers and key stakeholders, overseeing cleaning services at ground level and roof spaces throughout the University. Your flexibility and diverse skill set will be an asset as you will work across our full portfolio of external spaces and locations. You will plan and carry out both planned and reactive works, ensuring that the works carried out by the team are completed to a high standard and aligned to timescales. You will exhibit a proactive, positive and can-do approach to work. You will be a good communicator and be able to form positive working relationships with a wide range of people, both within the university and outside. The role is operational, active and physical, requiring regular working at height, manual handling, use of vibration-causing equipment, driving of the University of Sheffield’s vehicles, and working with height plant and equipment.

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Main duties and responsibilities

• Oversee inspections, cleaning and removal of extraneous debris of roof spaces and hard standings through the estate, providing guidance and ensuring quality control. 
• Manage external services staff and other team members (where required) delegating work and monitoring individual and team performance.
• Responsible for team compliance with Landscape strategy, permit system and ensuring works are completed to SFG20 guidance and safe systems of work.      
• Ensure working at height activities are planned, work permits are in place and are aligned with TUOS policy and current legislation.
• Oversee all aspects of equipment procurement, maintenance and repair, including LOLER inspections.
• Allocate work to external service technicians, ensuring completion to the expected standard and timescale.
• Provide technical advice and demonstrations to staff on the use of specialist equipment.
• Propose and implement systems of work and working methods.
• Identify and report on issues with the building fabric, including roof spaces, gutters and other drainage systems.
• Identify challenges with processes and output of the team, proposing solutions where improvements are required and understanding when to escalate issues.
• Work with senior management on people issues such as sickness absence, capability and recruitment and provide day-to-day team supervision.
• Work effectively with the Landscape Management Team to plan the effective use of resources for the continued delivery of key business objectives.
• Provide informal performance management and guidance to ensure development and support for existing and new team members.
• Monitor quality of work in line with quality and safety standards, report findings and provide effective solutions.
• Routinely carry out inspections to evaluate the quality of the work, both in progress and completed.
• Support the department with internal team audits to ensure compliance with HSWAS 1974, ISO9001 and ISO14001 integrated management systems.
• Respond to requests for assistance outside normal working hours.
• Support the full requirements of the cold weather plan activity, carrying out hand gritting, the operation of the tractor and vehicle-mounted equipment during activation of the cold weather plan.
• 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 selection process will consist of an in-person interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact admin-engmain@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
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • 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 Employer. 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 : 29/10/2025 

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.