Aberystwyth University - Deputy Director of Estates

Aberystwyth University - Deputy Director of Estates

Deputy Director of Estates Candidate Information Pack

Contents

Introduction About the University Our Estate and Estate Strategy Job description and person specification Living in the region Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Additional Information and Application Process

At Aberystwyth University we are proud of our rich history and heritage and of our place in this fantastic, vibrant town. As one of the UK’s leading research-led higher education institutions, we are known for our excellent teaching and research, our global outlook and our continued civic commitment. Our excellent teaching supports our students to become highly employable, creative and culturally rich graduates, and our world-leading, interdisciplinary research develops impactful global solutions to improve health, create wealth and ensure social justice.

Our campuses and facilities are an important enabler of this work and, whilst our estate boasts some world-class facilities and wonderful spaces, we need continued investment to best support our ambitious future plans, over the next decade and beyond. Our ambitious Estate Strategy 2021 - 2031 addresses this. The next step in the exciting journey of realising the Estate Strategy is the development and delivery of an implementation plan, which will articulate a clear and coherent long-term vision for the future of our university estate so that it best supports our strategic priorities. The incoming Deputy Director of Estates (Strategy & Development) will play a leading role in this. The role therefore offers a fantastic opportunity for an estates professional to progress their career in a leadership role across a compelling university estate portfolio with bold plans in a beautiful part of the UK .

Introduction

Aberystwyth University is a leading campus University that was recognised as Welsh University of the Year in 2020 and the UK’s leading University for Teaching Quality in 2018 and 2020 (The Times Good University Guide). Located in the heart of the Mid-Wales coast, the University is located in an idyllic seaside town often referred to as the cultural capital of Wales. The University’s vibrant campus provides many opportunities for students, staff and the community and it is at the heart of the memorable student experience. At Aberystwyth University we are proud of our rich history and heritage and of our place in this fantastic, vibrant town. On the west coast of Wales between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, we benefit from being a friendly, outward-looking community where the far horizon inspires ambition and aspiration. A place where students have been coming since 1872, drawn by our reputation for teaching excellence and an exceptional student experience. The University has a community of over 2,000 staff and 13,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time and distance learning students from across the globe. We have also over 80,000 alumni who together form a fantastic community in the University. We are a Bilingual Institution which operates a Welsh Language scheme.

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The University has been recognised nationally as an outstanding performer in areas spanning student experience, student satisfaction, student outcomes and teaching excellence, and our Penglais and Llanbadarn Campuses have been awarded the coveted Green Flag award. Awards Rankings

Full details about these awards and rankings can be found here.

About Us

Founded in 1872 Aberystwyth University has one of the most diverse estate portfolios of campus-based universities in the UK. From historic monuments to farms to award winning, innovative new buildings the university has an 84,000m2 estate spanning teaching, research, innovation, recreational, office and sports facilities in addition to a residential accommodation portfolio of c. 3000 bedspaces. There are exciting plans for ambitious future investment including; bringing new life into the Old College, a scheme to develop the heart of the campus, as well as major refurbishment of the academic and residential estate. You can take a virtual tour of the campus here.

Over the past decade, Aberystwyth University has delivered a transformational Estate Strategy which has radically improved the University’s estate and environs. The opportunity now exists to redefine the Estate Strategy in the context of the University’s 2018 -2023 Strategic Plan (and beyond) and to create a strategy that continues to innovate and progress the future direction of the University, in delivering its key aspiration to be recognised as a University delivering inspirational education and research in a supportive, creative and exceptional environment in Wales. The Estate Strategy 2021 - 2031 links to the University’s key strategies including; Teaching & Learning, Research & Innovation, Digital and Sustainability, to support these core activities and ensure that all space provided is functional (correct type of space), of a high quality and in the appropriate location. It will demonstrate that by consolidating the space occupied by the University, by improving space utilisation and conceivably zoning activities, the University will become more efficient. Furthermore, the significant efficiency gains from the effective utilisation of space will present the University with an opportunity to strategically target investment. Our campuses and facilities are an important enabler, and whilst our estate boasts some world-class facilities and wonderful spaces, we need continued investment to best support our ambitious future plans, up to 2031 and beyond. The next step in this exciting journey is the development of an implementation plan, which will articulate a clear and coherent long-term vision for the future of our university estate so that it best supports our strategic priorities. Our aim is an implementation plan which is carefully woven into the fabric of the town, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who use it. This vision sees sensitively curated and zoned spaces across the campus which enhance the sense of community, offering outdoor facilities to come together for events or relaxation. With a commitment to our environmentally led approach to new and refurbished buildings, we will enhance our sustainability and public spaces.

Our Estate and Estate Strategy

Job title:

Deputy Director of Estates (Strategy & Development)

Grade:

9

Directorate:

Estates, Facilities & Residences

Reporting to:

Director of Estates, Facilities & Residences

Overview Reporting to the Director of Estates, Facilities & Residences the post holder will be responsible for leading the development of the University’s estate and buildings portfolio. Key facets of the role being management of the estate strategy and masterplanning, capital programme delivery, space management and property management. The postholder will deputise for the Director of Estates, Facilities & Residences and will therefore act up in this capacity in the Director’s absence.

Job Description

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Relevant professional qualification in construction or estates related subject Post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject Relevant project or programme management qualification Leadership and management qualification

Education and Attainment

Experience of leading and managing capital programmes and projects on a significant scale Major refurbishment and multi- project programming experience Experience of leading or contributing to estates and capital programme strategy Experience of masterplanning in an estate environment Experience of development management including feasibility, option appraisal and planning. Capability and experience of leading a multidisciplinary team of estates professionals Level of understanding of and experience of public sector procurement Experience of property and asset management Experience of leading external consultants and delivery partners. Ability to operate successfully in a large scale organisation Experience of working at a senior level

Experience of space management and planning Experience of presiding over a minor works programme Experience of higher education, healthcare or research buildings and facilities in a campus setting Experience of acting as a Deputy Director or Deputy Head of Service

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

A natural leader Collaborative Team oriented Flexible and open-minded Possessing the intellectual capacity to operate at a senior level Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills Ability to work within an ambiguous and often changing environment Resilient A strategic and operational thinker Ability to operate as a trusted advisor. Ability to operate as an in-house consultant Ability to align personal behaviours to the Division’s values Possessing a high level of personal and professional credibility at a senior management level

Personal Attributes

Person Specification

Choose Aberystwyth University and you’ll be working at a location like no other. On the west coast of Wales between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll be part of a friendly, outward-looking community where the far horizon inspires ambition and aspiration. The University is located in the historic town of Aberystwyth which has a stunning setting on the shores of Cardigan Bay, where the mountains meet the sea. The landscape, flora and fauna of Aberystwyth and the surrounding countryside are quite outstanding. Red kites can be seen from the university’s campuses and bottle-nosed dolphins can sometimes be seen offshore. The area offers many opportunities for walking, mountain climbing, sunbathing, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing and swimming. As a major tourist centre Aberystwyth also has a wealth of pubs, clubs and restaurants and plenty of leisure facilities and activities.

There are four primary schools and two secondary schools in Aberystwyth (both Welsh and English). The town also has a general hospital and a number of national health doctor and dentist surgeries. The quality of life is further enhanced by the ease of access to some of the most spectacular countryside in Europe, including the immediate hinterland of the Cambrian Mountains and the Ceredigion Heritage Coast. The national parks of Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons can all be reached with a short drive. Aberystwyth offers a range of accommodation both in town and in outlying villages. The local property market is very healthy, offering a good range of properties to rent or buy. There is a greater selection of larger family homes out of town in one of the many village communities, many or which have their own shops, school and regular bus links.

Living in the Region

On campus We boast a range of sports facilities on campus, including a gym, a swimming pool and saunarium, a climbing wall, a breadth of fitness, mind and body classes and a range of kids’ activities. Students, staff and visitors to the campus can enjoy a meal or sip a coffee or a drink in one of the Penbryn Campus cafes, the Arts Centre’s cafes or bars, a number of which have spectacular views over the town and coast. The thriving Aberystwyth Arts Centre is situated on the University’s main campus. The Arts Centre has a wide and varied programme of exhibitions, classical music, opera, plays, dance, poetry readings including various annual festivals, stand-up comedy, and live bands; its stylish cinema runs a full programme of general release and art house films. It also offers courses in dance, pottery, photography, drama and music. The Arts Centre also houses the university bookshop and a shop selling ceramics and gifts.

Living in the Region

At Aberystwyth University we believe that creating an inclusive environment means providing everyone, no matter who they are, with equal access to opportunities, and removing cultural barriers in the form of discrimination and intolerance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and in particular, those that are currently under- represented in our workforce.

You can learn more about our commitment to this here.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Aberystwyth University offers competitive levels of basic salary in addition to a compelling range of employee benefits. Further information can be viewed here.

The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG).

To arrange a confidential briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors Ben Duffill ([email protected] / 07976 125 010) or David Craven ([email protected] / 07932 717 438) at MRG.

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than four pages) and a covering letter (of not more than two pages). Applications should be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. Closing date for applications is 11th April 2021.

Additional Information and Application Process