contract manager jobs

About the job

Interview Date - 2 February 2026

Full time (37 hours a week) based at the Waterside Campus.

The University of Northampton is seeking a strategic and experienced Maintenance Manager to oversee the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused maintenance services across our diverse estate. This is a key leadership post within Estates & Campus Services, offering the chance to shape the University's built environment while supporting its long-term sustainability and operational goals.

About you

The University of Northampton is seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to oversee the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused maintenance services across our diverse estate. This is a key leadership post within Estates & Campus Services.

As Maintenance Manager, you will lead the Building Services and External Services teams, ensuring the University’s buildings, systems, and grounds are held to the highest standards in both compliance, planned and reactive tasks.

A background in maintenance and statutory compliance is required, with experience managing both in-house teams and subcontractors. You will oversee the Permit to Work system and manage contractors, so solid health and safety expertise is essential. Experience in contract management, contractor mobilisation, and handling underperformance is also necessary.

This post demands a proactive leader who can manage planned and reactive maintenance, oversee external contractors, and collaborate with senior stakeholders. You’ll play a critical role in supporting the University’s carbon management plan, ensuring business continuity, and enhancing the student and staff experience through a well-maintained campus.

This successful candidate would have the ability to offer guidance, manage projects and support the University stakeholders across a range of Maintenance projects.

Qualifications

Essential;

• Degree in relevant discipline or formal professional qualification
• Evidence of continued professional development
• IOSH and other relevant qualifications

Desirable;

• Appropriate membership of a professional body as recognised and required for the post
• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical and/or electrical services

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.

1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

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: