Deputy Head of Maintenance and Minor Works

About The Courtauld

The Courtauld is one of the world’s leading centres for the study and conservation of art history and home to an internationally renowned gallery collection. As we continue an ambitious, multi‑year transformation of our estate including the development of our new Strand Campus we are seeking an exceptional Deputy Head of Maintenance and Minor Works to help shape the future of our built environment. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in maintaining, enhancing, and future‑proofing a unique cultural heritage estate, ensuring our galleries, teaching spaces and residential facilities operate at the highest possible standard.

About the Role

As Deputy Head of Maintenance and Minor Works, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of all maintenance services across our estate. This includes oversight of outsourced contracts, statutory compliance, environmental conditions for our gallery spaces, and the planning and delivery of minor improvement works. You will ensure our buildings, infrastructure and critical systems perform to the standards expected of a world-class institution supporting exceptional teaching, research and the care of priceless collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high‑performing reactive and proactive maintenance service
• Maintain and manage environmental conditions required for gallery and collection care
• Ensure full statutory compliance across the estate
• Lead and develop our Computerised Assisted Facilities Management (CAFM) system
• Manage specialist outsourced maintenance contracts
• Oversee and optimise the annual maintenance budget
• Develop maintenance strategies and ensure condition surveys are completed
• Scope, specify, procure and manage minor improvement works
• Champion a proactive health and safety culture, including Permits and RAMS
• Support the implementation and integration of new MEP systems for the Strand Campus
• Contribute to preparation of gallery spaces for exhibitions
• Drive operational efficiencies and support sustainability goals, including reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions

About You

We are looking for a proactive, collaborative and technically strong leader with experience managing complex maintenance environments. You will bring:

• An engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Professional membership (e.g., CIBSE or similar)
• Proven leadership experience within an engineering or maintenance function
• Demonstrable success in developing high‑performing teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong reporting and analytical skills, with the ability to translate technical detail clearly
• A comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation and statutory compliance
• Experience procuring contractors and building strong supplier relationships
• The ability to design and deliver maintenance strategies
• A strong track record in sustainability and energy‑reduction initiatives
• Knowledge of budget management, capital planning and bid preparation
• Exceptional problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
• IOSH Certificate (desirable)
• Experience working with high‑value collections or laboratory environments (desirable)

Why Join Us?

At the Courtauld, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment where professional growth is encouraged. Some of our benefits include: 

30 days annual leave + 6 office closure days | Bicycle Loan, Season Ticket Loan | Free Gallery Access & Discounts | Staff discounts at our onsite café and coffee shop | Wellbeing Support & Employee Assistance Programme 

How to Apply

If you’re motivated by the opportunity to help shape a world-class cultural and educational environment, we would love to hear from you. Please apply online by submitting your CV and a supporting statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining how you meet the selection criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

First Round Interview Date: w/c 18 May 2026

Second Round Interview Date: w/c 25 May 2026