University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact. UCC’s Buildings and Estates function is responsible for the planning, management, stewardship, commercial optimisation and physical development of a diverse university estate comprising approximately 290,000m² of buildings, 80 hectares of grounds and property, and more than 140 buildings across over 20 locations.
This is an exciting time to join UCC, and the University are now seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Estates & Commercial Services, a pivotal strategic leadership role and a member of the University Leadership Team. They will lead the planning, stewardship, development and commercial leadership of the University’s estate and campus services so that the physical environment, infrastructure, property interests and campus operations enable the delivery of UCC’s academic mission, research ambition, student experience, financial sustainability and long-term strategic development. The role moves beyond a traditional buildings and maintenance brief. In addition to the stewardship of the core academic estate, the Director of Estates & Commercial Services will support the effective management and optimisation of the commercial value of the University’s property, subsidiaries and related campus assets and services.
The successful candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience within a large, complex estate, campus, infrastructure, property or facilities environment, operating at strategic organisational level. They will demonstrate strong commercial acumen, including identifying and overseeing commercial or revenue-generating opportunities, alongside proven financial stewardship, budget management, business case development, procurement oversight and value-for-money decision-making in a regulated or publicly accountable setting. They will have a track record of delivering sustainability and environmental initiatives, such as energy management, decarbonisation, climate action, biodiversity or conservation programmes. The successful individual will have strong digital and data literacy, with the ability to use systems, management information and performance data to drive effective decision-making.
Excellent digital and data literacy, including experience of using systems, management information and performance data to improve estate or operational decision-making; experience of smart campus, intelligent campus or integrated asset management approaches would be advantageous.
How to Apply
The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Further information can be found on https://perrettlaver.com/university-college-cork-director-of-estates-commercial-services/. Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to Chris McCann, chris.mccann@perrettlaver.com, quoting the job title. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT, Tuesday 28th July 2026.
