Director of Estates

Glasgow Caledonian – the largest and leading modern university in Scotland – is a vibrant, values-led organisation with campuses in the heart of Glasgow and London. Through our strong commitment to delivering high quality education and research we are responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

With a wide range of professionally accredited courses and links with over 300 industry partners, we have the highest proportion of first-degree graduates in highly skilled occupations (83%) compared to other Scottish modern universities, and 91% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA 2023). We are also Scotland’s leading provider of Graduate Apprenticeships where students combine degree study and work.

In 2023 we entered the top 40 universities in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, and were in the top 50 UK universities in the 2024 Times and Sunday TimesGood University Guide for the first time. We perform exceptionally at subject level too. We’re the leading University in the UK in key health areas including Radiography, Physiotherapy and Subjects allied to Medicine, according to the Times and Sunday Times, with Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism ranked second in the UK (first in Scotland). The Guardian also ranked us in the top three in the UK, and first in Scotland, for Social Work, Animation and Game Design, and Nutrition and Food Science.

Our recently appointed Chancellor, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, is one of the UK’s most influential women in Tech and a major advocate of diversifying talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

We are passionate about helping more young people from diverse backgrounds into university. Scottish Funding Council figures highlighted that 22% of our Scottish full-time, first degree entrants were drawn from the country’s 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds (SFC 2023).

As the University for the Common Good, equality and diversity are at the heart of everything that we do. Our Equality Outcomes 2021-25 specify our actions to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. They are clearly aligned with our Mission and strategic priorities, as well as our Values, with the overall aim of reducing inequalities and making a positive difference. We take a whole institution approach and are committed to ensuring that equality and diversity are mainstreamed into our core functions.

At heart we are a civic university with a global outlook, dedicated to building productive relationships and driving positive social change for current and future generations.

We are the only Scottish university with EcoCampus Platinum accreditation and were ranked first in Scotland for

The Director of Estates will provide strategic transformational leadership and effective management of the Facilities Management Department, and will manage and be accountable for the efficient and effective provision of comprehensive client centred services for estates planning, management and facility support activities.

Candidates interested in this role will educated to degree level and have significant leadership and management experience in leading an effective and well-motivated, multi-disciplinary and multi-task estates and facilities team. This experience need not be in Higher Education but the ability to demonstrate some familiarity and considerable empathy with the challenges of the University sector. In addition, a proven track record in strategic planning and management of significant financial and human resources is essential, as is an exceptional track record of delivering effective transformational change.

For further information and details about how to apply, please contact Alan Walter at [email protected] or call 07876 766972.

Further information and details about how to apply can be found at Director of Estates | Dixon Walter

Applications should be made via email to [email protected] by midnight on Sunday 21 April 2024 and should consist of:

• A curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history, and achievements
• A two-page cover letter describing briefly how you feel you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, why the appointment is of interest, and what you would like to achieve in the role
• Details of three referees and notice period (referees will not be contacted without your permission)
• A completed Personal details form (available from the link above).

Formal interviews will take place on 22 May 2024, shortlisted candidates will also be asked to make a presentation to members of the panel prior to the interview.

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as our values in everything that we do. As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who demonstrate the GCU Values.

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias so that we can attract and retain a high performing workforce which makes a critical contribution to our success​.

The University holds the prestigious Athena SWAN Silver institution award, which recognises our significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality across different disciplines.

As a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, we are striving to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to disabled people. Although the Disability Confident 'Committed' level does not guarantee an interview for disabled applicants, we will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants during the recruitment process.

The University also holds the Carer Positive ‘Engaged’ employer award, which recognises our commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Glasgow Caledonian University are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The University offers a range of benefits including opportunities for professional development, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception).