Estates Office

EntryLogo

The University of Birmingham Estates Office is responsible for both the master planning and management of our extensive estate. Our team is made up of over 180 dedicated members of staff, including 10 apprentices studying Mechanical or Electrical qualifications over a 4-year scheme; all striving to deliver a world class university experience for the benefit of all students, staff, academics and visitors. 

About the Estates Office

After our students and staff, our physical estate is the largest single enabler for our world-class teaching and research, and provides a fantastic student experience. Our estate is large and varied covering 672 acres, with over 200 buildings of different ages, complexities, physical condition and use - ranging from grade 1 and 2 listed properties to brand new state of the art learning and research spaces. It consists of two main campus sites (Edgbaston & Selly Oak) along with properties in Stratford upon Avon, Ansty (near Coventry), Coniston (in Cumbria), Ironbridge and Dubai.  

The total gross internal area of the estate is 538,000 m2. 74% of the non-residential estate is in building condition A and B and we typically spend circa £9M on energy and water each year.  

We are committed to sustainability and have achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 four years ahead of target and we generate 75% of our own energy via on site combined heat and power plants. Furthermore, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint by 3,000 tonnes per year on average and maintain more than 9,200 trees.  

Take an aerial tour of our campus

Key People and Contact Numbers

Key People 

Peter Cochrane
Interm Director of Estates
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5941

Executive Officer, Projects Office Manager and PA to the Director of Estates
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5951

General contact and administrative enquiries

Estates Projects Reception

For any repairs to buildings or grounds, please contact:

Estates Office Help Desk
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6406 

Help Desk is open Mon-Fri (08:30 to 16:30)
Out of normal working hours, please call Security on: +44 (0)121 414 3000 (Emergencies: +44 (0)121 414 4444)

General enquiries

Estates West Reception: +44 (0)121 414 7283
Maintenance Building Reception: +44 (0)121 414 3365
Landscape Services Building: +44 (0)121 414 3478

Working In Estates


People are at the heart of what we are and do at the University of Birmingham. Within the Estates Office, we are looking to further strengthen our team across a range of roles and teams. We are looking to recruit people whose achievements and skills will contribute to our success and who share our values of collaboration, respect, inclusion, sustainability and professionalism. We welcome diversity and are committed to ensuring everyone is part of an enjoyable and rewarding culture in which they can do their best work.  

As a team, we aim to deliver a world class university experience for the benefit of all students, staff, academics and visitors. We are proud of the role we play in the success of the University, the enjoyment that students, staff and academics get during their time here and ensuring that visitors leave us with the best possible impression of the University.  

We operate up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all through the year in order to keep the University running efficiently and effectively, and in recent months have managed to sustain a safe and compliant campus during lockdown and an intensive period of campus re-opening .    

 


What is it like to work in the Estates Office?  

Benefits 

All staff at the University of Birmingham are able to access a wide range of benefits, including a progressive pay structure, three different types of pension for different staff groups, and a generous 40 days off a year, made up of 25 days annual holiday, 7 closed days and 8 bank holidays. (For part-time staff, holidays are calculated pro rata).   

To help you achieve a better balance between your family and work responsibilities, we run a flexible working scheme with options including part-time work, job sharing, term-time only working, flexi-time and compressed hours, as well as discounts on childcare and three on site day nurseries. We also offer generous maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, as well as 13 weeks parental leave for those with children under five. Staff can also access personal and professional development courses, as well as a mentoring and coaching scheme, and leadership training programmes for managers.  

There are a range of employee schemes and discounts available, including private medical and dental schemes, retail offers, and a range of sustainable travel discounts, including a generous cycle to work scheme. To support staff so they are happy and healthy, we also have Citizens Advice onsite and offer a range of confidential services via our Employee Advice and Support Services, including an advice and listening service, disability and additional needs service, harassment advisers and mediation.   

At the University of Birmingham, you join a welcoming and diverse community with people from over 150 countries.  Our campus is constantly evolving with exceptional facilities, plenty of space to study and beautiful grounds to relax, all within touching distance of Birmingham's vibrant city centre.   

Feedback from our staff  

"I've seen the campus transform in recent years, and the work really inspired me because I saw the teamwork in action and the positive impact this makes to others.  

On a personal level, I pride myself on being professional, respectful and I firmly believe in taking a collaborative and sustainable approach to work, so when I saw a position within the Estates Office I knew I had to apply.  

I love working as part of a team to achieve a common goal, and I know my background in the private sector has prepared me for this role."

Matt Beveridge - Estates Innovation Manager 


“Since joining the Estates Team I’ve been welcomed into a group with a crucial role in the running of University life.

 It’s an exciting time to be part of the Team and I’ve had the opportunity to get to know colleagues through a number of initiatives to enhance the group even further.

A role within Estates has provided a great platform on which to engage and build relationships with the wider University, across academia, with students and with the Professional Services groups.”

Lydia Dutton - Sustainability Manager


 “Working in the Estates Mechanical Team, no two days are ever the same. Covering a vast array of Mechanical and Plumbing issues combined with working with a great team of people makes working for Estates both an interesting and enjoyable job.”

Carl Meacham - Mechanical Tradesperson