Head of Maintenance and Technical Projects

About the Candidate

• As an outstanding college we’re looking to recruit an outstanding and experienced leader with a strong background in Facilities Management and Leadership.
• The successful individual will take responsibility for the delivery of Estates related maintenance functions and will take an active and leading role in delivering a number of our more technical plans and projects.
• Responsible for staff based at multiple sites you must be prepared to travel within the region, supporting, developing and guiding staff as required.
• A good appreciation of Facilities Management HARD services is critical as is a good understanding of the associated statutory compliance and workplace health and safety.
• You should have experience of leading and managing a team and be an individual who is prepared to ‘roll up their sleeves’ when required. Team working and motivating individuals within a busy environment are important factors as is the ability to establish relationships and priorities with internal stakeholders.
• Contractor selection, engagement and management will be key in delivering the department’s strategy, hence your experience should help drive contractor performance whilst a keen eye for detail and financial spend will ensure a quality product is delivered on time, every time.
• Reporting into the Director of Capital Projects and Estates you will have the opportunity to be involved in shaping the department’s strategy in addition to taking a leading role in technical project delivery.
• Previous experience of change, performance and project management are essential as is a track record in ‘making a difference’.
• The post requires someone with experience, commitment, flexibility and resilience as EPNE continues to be outstanding. Its journey towards excellence. Excellent communication and IT skills coupled with a focus on delivery, staff development and departmental team working are a ‘must’ as all roads lead to delivering an outstanding experience for our students.

About the Role

• Lead and develop a team with the required skills, training and knowledge required to prioritise and deliver a quality service / product effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure technical standards and compliance are maintained to the highest level across all Education Partnership North East sites.
• Lead in the delivery of Technical Projects and assist other staff members in the delivery of non Technical Projects as and when required.
• Lead and guide a team to deliver departmental improvements in processes, performance and working practices.
• Manage and promote all aspects to health and safety, both within the in‑house and the contracted resource ensuring all work is safely completed.
• Develop a ‘right first time’ culture both with in‑house resource and contracted staff, ensuring limitations and expected standards are explicit.
• Accept responsibility for the cost‑effective delivery of the estates service including the delivery of refurbishments and projects within agreed budgetary l.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the maintenance team to provide an in‑house first line level of technical support and guidance to all members of the estates team operating across the region.
• Lead in ensuring all Education Partnership North East owned and leased sites achieve statutory compliance / best practice guidance with respect to both mechanical and electrical plant and equipment.
• Work closely with the Estates Director in the delivery of the estates service including technical projects – achieving high quality results cost effectively.
• Provide leadership and direction to managers / team leaders / staff within estates through regular communication forums including briefing sessions, toolbox talks and 1 to 1’s. Promote the support and development of staff through appraisal, training and development programmes.
• Assist in the preparation, assessment and issuing of tenders for major projects of work, supervise installation works and complete and snag off the resulting contracts to a specified quality.
• Manage contractor relationships to maintain high levels of service and response times whilst adhering to the college’s financial guidelines. Ensure all appointed contractors comply with college requirements in terms of health and safety, insurance and safe systems of work.

Qualifications

• CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership / ILM Level 5 to 7 Leadership and Management
• Prince 2 / Agile PM for Leaders.
• Level 2 Qualifications in Maths and English
• Health & Safety Qualification – NEBOSH / IOSH
• A valid driving licence
• Served a recognised apprenticeship in an appropriate technical discipline

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong technical knowledge of equipment employed within Facilities Management HARD services
• Proven experience within a Senior Leadership role ideally within Facilities Management or a similarly technical position
• Experience of building, developing and operating high performance teams within a complex environment
• Track record of delivering business efficiencies and savings through the deployment of technology-based solutions.
• Ability to develop and deploy business processes, specifically targeted towards an operational environment
• Health and Safety focussed with experience of managing Health and Safety within a challenging environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

• Good understanding of statutory compliance within an Educational environment
• Overseeing a comprehensive technical project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business priorities and resource capacity

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays – (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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