An interview with Roger Ward, Deputy Director of Estates and University of Lincoln about the recruitment plans for the Estates Team at the University.
Ben Duffill and David Craven are working on an exciting new recruitment campaign in partnership with the University of Lincoln. Due to the University’s ambitious plans for the development of its estate and campus environment, they are investing in building an industry-leading estates team to support this growth.
Ben spoke with Deputy Director of Estates, Roger Ward to discuss the partnership in more detail.
What is the background and context of the university’s strategy and ambitions, and how will the estates team support this?
The University is currently going through a substantial period of growth. It has doubled in size over the last 5 years, been awarded The Sunday Times – Modern University of the Year in 2020 and is currently in the process of creating new masterplans for the two main campuses, as well as an updated estates strategy.
The University’s ambition is for growth in quality and breadth of courses, and the number of students both home-based and international. A major new development is supporting the education of the doctors of the future, having just opened a £25million medical school building.
The estates team provides all the day-to-day operational needs of the buildings: Hard FM, Soft FM, Property Management, Capital Project Management, Safe Working and Compliance, Energy and Environmental Management.
Can you explain the rationale for building the team to such an extent right now?
The team is currently quite small, with only 50 people, as well as a number of external Hard & Soft FM contract partners. The growth in the estate means we have significantly more strategic and day to day responsibilities, and we need qualified, experienced and skilled people to help us deliver. You can find out more about each role and apply below:
Health & Safety Compliance Manager
To lead a team of safety and compliance advisors.
To bolster the current team, to deliver our new building and refurbishment programme.
To work with our current and future property portfolio.
To manage both our capital project costs and our maintenance costs and budget processes.
Senior Building Surveyor | M&E Maintenance Engineer |Mechanical and Electrical Engineer (BMS)
To support our maintenance and minor works functions, as well as improving our control over our environmental systems to help us achieve our carbon goals.
To develop and integrate our CAFM space and asset systems, and data.
For candidates interested in applying, what would you say to them about joining the team and working at the university?
I am very proud of to be part of an effective team that are central to the success of the university. We touch every facet of every activity at the university.
I’m relatively new to the area and I find Lincolnshire to be full of surprises. Lincoln is a great city, with a rich history and very friendly people.
The university is also a fantastic employer; it values staff wellbeing and the overall package we can offer is comprehensive and competitive. We offer excellent holiday provision, a great pension and support for personal and professional development.
Overall, the estate is ever changing, there’s never a dull day – it’s challenging in a really good way.
If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunities at the University of Lincoln, please do get in touch with Ben and David who would be happy to tell you more about the respective roles – universityoflincoln@mrgpeople.co.uk
Watch the full video interview here.