Head of Technical Operations

Job Introduction
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 mínimal 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 mínimal 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
- 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;