Deputy Director (Capital, Property & Space)

University of Lancashire - ES Management Team

Placed On: 3rd March 2026

Closes: 26th March 2026

Job Ref: 0118-26

Application closing date: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 11:59pm

Contract type: Indefinite

Hours: 37.00 hours per week

Interview date: Wednesday 29th April 2026

The University of Lancashire is seeking to appoint its next Deputy Director (Capital, Property & Space) — a key leadership role within Estates & Campus Services. This position provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of a large and ambitious university estate, helping deliver a world‑class environment for students, staff, partners and the wider community.

One of the UK’s largest universities, with more than 39,000 students, the University of Lancashire is an international, multi‑campus institution with roots dating back to 1828 and a reputation for modern, practice‑based learning. Now midway through our seven‑year Strategic Plan (2021–2028), we are committed to being recognised as a leading UK university with national and international influence. Operating across our Preston, Burnley, Blackburn, West Cumbria and Cyprus campuses, our ambitions are underpinned by major investment in our estate, facilities and campus experience.

About the role:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Estates & Campus Services, the Deputy Director will play a central role in leading the development and delivery of the University’s estate masterplan, major capital development programme, long‑term maintenance strategy, statutory compliance framework and strategic property management activities.

The University’s estate is both diverse and challenging, comprising a wide range of building types, ageing infrastructure and significant backlog maintenance requirements. Working closely with the Executive Director, this role is primed to shape a sustainable, future‑focused estate that supports outstanding learning, research and campus life.

A key responsibility will be driving the University’s commitment to achieving a carbon‑neutral campus, supported by an estate‑wide review and targeted disposals to ensure the campus provides high‑quality, fit‑for‑purpose facilities that inspire both students and colleagues. Looking to the future, the University’s Masterplan will continue to support its position as a leader in modern education and research by providing state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a dynamic campus environment. It will benefit students and staff while also contributing to the regional economy and the communities in which we operate.

About you:

We are seeking a proactive, visible and highly credible estates professional with a proven track record of developing and managing large‑scale, complex and diverse estates portfolios. This is a broad leadership role, so the ability to lead a team of specialists across areas such as capital project delivery, space and workplace management, property management and compliance will be key to success in the role; as well as possessing excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders both internally and externally.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact, joining a team dedicated to achieving excellence and delivering an outstanding campus experience, while embarking on a career pathway towards Director of Estates level.

To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisors David Craven or Ben Duffill of MRG.