Head of Technical Operations

We are excited to announce an outstanding opportunity at Northumbria University’s Student Accommodation for a dynamic and experienced Head of Technical Operations. Located in the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Gateshead, this role offers the chance to lead a skilled technical team overseeing a large-scale, multi-activity student accommodation facility with an annual turnover exceeding £2 million.

You will spearhead the technical operations, strategically enhancing our facilities management and commercial services to ensure excellence in service delivery. Reporting to the Contract Director, you will play a critical role in evolving our existing client relationships and driving innovative solutions to elevate the living and service experience of our students and stakeholders.

This is a strategic yet hands-on role where your ability to propose new ideas and lead FM projects will be key. You will manage a diverse team of nine skilled professionals across four closely located sites, ensuring high performance with minimal micromanagement. Your week will be structured around a Monday to Friday schedule, with 40 flexible hours that respect your life outside of work.

We are looking for an independent innovator with a robust understanding of technical operations and project management tools like Maximo. Your confidence in client-facing interactions and your commitment to fostering strong relationships will be invaluable. With a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence, you will ensure that our technical services are compliant, efficient, and leading the industry.

If you are ready to take on a role that blends strategic oversight with operational agility, and you thrive in an environment where innovation leads to real-world results, we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of student living at Northumbria University, where your leadership will make a lasting impact.

What you’ll do:

• Management of Statutory/Mandatory planned and reactive maintenance
• Management of Maximo CAFM System and Maximo Wando
• Management and development of the technical team
• Management of Sub Contractors
• Support the Sodexo Management team by ensuring that the service provides a high level of stakeholder satisfaction
• Contribute to the development of a collaborative and inclusive culture, by sharing information and best practice with others
• Work cooperatively and maintain effective relationships with others, both internally and externally to Sodexo, as appropriate to own area of responsibility.
• To assist with the logistics of the Technical Services provision, for example On-Call Rota’s, Weekly progress reports, ensuring mileage and use of company vehicles is recorded.
• To assist with all aspects of Health and Safety compliance, assist with the preparation of Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Safe Systems of Work,
• To comply at all times with the Company's Quality Assurance and Health and Safety Procedures and to ensure that all work is undertaken in accordance with industry best practice.

For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description

What you bring:

• A recognised apprenticeship or HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering discipline with a commitment to undergo continuing professional development.
• Skilled in ‘hands on’ maintenance, diagnosis and repair of a range of plant and equipment and capable of anticipating potential faults or problems which may occur within the full range of building services.
• Ability to prioritise own workload with minimal supervision and use of own initiative
• Ability to work quickly and calmly, especially under pressure and in emergency situations
• Excellent communication skills and an active listener
• Be a team worker with a flexible approach, to include the ability to request and offer support from other team members as required, including liaison with line manager
• Possess good communication skills, both verbal and written, including accurate spelling and grammar and the ability to give explanations clearly
• Experience of using databases, spread sheets and other computer based applications including Microsoft Office
• IOSH Working Safely or equivalent knowledge,(or a willingness to undertake and complete successfully within 3 months from commencement of employment)
• Ability to work effectively without close supervision and possess good organisational skills.
• A working knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation
• Knowledge of PPM maintenance systems (SFG20)
• Experienced in the safe use of hand tools, power tools and test equipment.
• The ability to communicate clearly at all levels within the organisation.
• Flexible – is willing to undertake a range of tasks and duties vital for the effective and successful running of the contract.
• Good at planning and organisation with the ability to manage to day to day workload of the team.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Performance Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise across an array of benefits

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.