University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking to appoint a Head of FM Contract Services who will be responsible for the management and direction of FM service contracts across the UAL estate portfolio.

UAL is a global leader in creativity, innovation, and invention across the knowledge economy. Comprising six renowned Colleges and four Institutes across London, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UAL is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its status as a creative powerhouse. With a vibrant, multicultural community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment that nurtures the next generation of creative talent.

Now is an exciting time to be joining UAL to take up this role. A 10-year Estates Strategy has been developed which will see the delivery of new campuses for London College of Fashion (completed in 2024) and London College of Communication (to be completed in 2027) as well as a period of estate transformation across our existing portfolio that ensures the UAL estate is fit for purpose, sustainable and provides world-class facilities and experience to our students, staff and partners. Following the appointment of new Associate Directors in the areas of Estate Development and Facilities Management in 2024, we are now embarking on an investment in the team that will see the appointment to c.25 new roles in these areas.

The Head of FM Contract Services is a pivotal role within the Estates Team and is responsible for leading on the strategic delivery of hard and soft FM services across a diverse and creative multi-site estate, ensuring outstanding service for students, staff, and visitors alike.

In this role, you’ll oversee the performance of key service partners, manage the Estates Helpdesk, and drive continuous improvement across all FM operations. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, Procurement, and Finance to ensure value for money, compliance, and innovation in service delivery. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping a safe, sustainable, and customer-focused environment.

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in facilities management, ideally with senior-level experience across multi-site estates. You’ll need a relevant qualification related to facilities management or contract management and a proven track record in contract management, budget oversight, and service delivery. Experience with CAFM systems, leading Helpdesk teams, and driving performance against KPIs is essential.

The Candidate Brochure can be viewed at UAL - Head of FM Contract Services.

For a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett (michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com) and Joe Glendon (joe.glendon@mrgglobal.com) at MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 7th September 2025.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.