Head of Commercial and Soft Services

About the job

Interview Date - Week Commencing 14 April 2025

The Head of Commercial and Soft Services is an integral member of the Estates & Campus Services Executive Team, supporting the Director of Estates & Campus Services in providing a proactive, effective, and professionally led Commercial and Soft Service that supports the University of Northampton strategy and Estates Development Framework.

The post holder will lead a team responsible for the delivery of Catering & Commercial, Residential & Accommodation Services, Security & Community Safety, Front of House, and Property Services.

Catering, Security & Community Safety and Front of House services are delivered through the University’s wholly owned subsidiary 1st Degree Facilities.  The post holder will have strategic and operational oversight of continuous improvement in this area.

They will engage with stakeholders at a strategic level to deliver the above services and act as the professional lead for technical advice and guidance to ensure adherence to legislative and legal requirements.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

About you

The successful candidate will;

• Have a wide and varied knowledge of Commercial and Soft services operations including legislation and guidance documentation a sound knowledge of industry legislation and applicable codes of practice

• Have experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment preferably in a public sector organisation

• Be able to inspire and lead others within a complex multi-functional department that has a considerable change management programme to achieve

• Experience of and skill in managing significant and complex budgets

• Be a proven inspirational leader demonstrating Integrity and professionalism, a commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and the University’s values of inclusivity, trust, sustainability and aspiration

Qualifications

Essential; 

• Construction related degree or equivalent in surveying, architecture, building services, engineering or project management.
• Professional qualification, charter or equivalent.
• PRINCE 2 Project management methodologies or equivalent

 Desirable; 

• General Management Qualifications

Department

The Postholder will be a key member of the Estates and Campus Services Department which comprises of the following areas;

• Campus Services (1^st Degree Services)
• Timetabling & Space Management
• Projects
• Buildings Services (1^st Degree Services)
• Catering (1^st Degree Services)
• Commercial
• Residential Services
• Security and Community Safety (1^st Degree Services)
• Environment and Sustainability
• Property Management

1^st Degree Services are a part of University of Northampton Enterprises Ltd (UNEL) a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton.

About us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON