Appointment Brief
April 2015
Ref: UOS010639
Appointment of
The Director of
Accommodation and
Commercial Services
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
Contents
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Introduction from the Vice-Chancellor
The University of Sheffield
The Department of Accommodation and
Commercial Services and UNICUS
The Opportunity
The Role
The Person
A Remarkable Place to Work
The City of Sheffield
Terms of Appointment
How to Apply
The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
Introduction from
the Vice-Chancellor
I am delighted to introduce you to The University
of Sheffield. For over a century, this wonderful
institution has been a centre of discovery
and understanding, committed to excellence
in teaching and research. Founded by public
subscription and a determination to put the
very highest-quality university education “within
the reach of the child of the working man”, the
University has built on a tradition of excellence and
innovation, friendliness, independence of thought
and a preference for action over rhetoric.
Sheffield is also a tremendous place to be a
student, and a key aspect of this is our superb
accommodation and campus services. Our
students responded to a national survey which
confirmed Sheffield as the place they would be
most willing to recommend and with the best
overall experience. The ability to live in vibrant
communities of the highest-quality, with care and
social inclusion at the heart of all that we do as an
institution, continues to be why students are so
proud of this University.
The Department of Accommodation and
Commercial Services (ACS) has a well-deserved
national reputation for providing exceptional
and innovative service to enhance the student
experience of living and studying in Sheffield, as
well as a range of event, conferencing and retail
services for our staff, students and the wider
community. It also works closely with the top
Students’ Union in the country, and our students
play a particularly distinctive role in shaping the
purpose and experience of our University.
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Furthermore, our University is truly international
and our Accommodation and Commercial Services
reflect this in thoughtful and innovative ways.
We have over 26,000 students from around 130
countries who study in 45 academic departments
in five faculties. Indeed, international staff and
students are at the heart of our success. Since it
was founded, Sheffield has grown to be a globallyleading University.
In additional to five Nobel Prize winners and
excellence in all disciplines, the work of our
scholars from around the world has led us to
be home to world-leading research institutes
such as the Sheffield Institute for Translational
Neuroscience and the Advanced Manufacturing
Research Centre. Our 7,000 staff come from
nearly 90 countries, and our annual income is
approaching £500 million.
We also have a hard-won reputation for quality.
Our University continues to produce worldleading scholarship across all its disciplines, and
prides itself on its world-class partnerships with
outstanding institutions and business organisations
around the world. Sheffield is a founding member
of the Russell Group of the UK’s leading researchintensive universities, with consistently excellent
results in teaching quality and student satisfaction.
In the recent Research Excellence Framework
the University was in the top 10 per cent of all UK
universities and with 86 per cent of the research
submitted by our academic staff being rigorously
judged as world-leading or internationally
excellent.
The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
Despite this success, we continue to challenge
ourselves to find new and better ways to make a
difference to students and to citizens all over the
world. We do so with support of exceptional staff
and a university wide leadership team determined
to ensure that we fulfil our ambitions. I look
forward to welcoming to Sheffield those talented
people who can help build on such a powerful
foundation, and who share our vision for what a
University can and should be.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett FRS, CBE
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Sir Keith Burnett
FRS, CBE
Vice-Chancellor
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The University of Sheffield
The
University
Of
Sheffield
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The University has roots going back to
1828. Today we are one of the UK’s leading
universities with an international reputation for
excellence. Official teaching quality assessments
rate us very highly across a wide range of
subjects, and excellent research assessment
results confirm our reputation as a centre for a
wide variety of world-class research.
We have over 26,000 students from around 130
countries and over 7,000 staff. Our graduates
and former staff include five Nobel Prize
winners, an Olympic gold medallist and Britain’s
first female astronaut.
We were voted Number 1 for Accommodation
and Student Services in the Student Experience
Awards 2014-15. We have also confirmed our
place as a world-leading university with an
international reputation for research excellence
across a wide range of disciplines following
the results of the 2014 Research Excellence
Framework (REF) which place us in the top 10
per cent of all UK universities.
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When the University was founded over a
century ago, the people of the city had a clear
vision. They wanted a world-class university
that would bring the highest standard of
teaching and research to Sheffield, powering
the economy, addressing social problems and
transforming lives.
The vision is clearer than ever. We want
Sheffield to be an international centre of
excellence for centuries to come, so we recruit
ambitious, creative people from all over the
world and we nurture their talent.
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Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Department of
Accommodation and
Commercial Services
and UNICUS
Employing over 250 permanent staff and hundreds
of casual staff ( the majority of whom are
students), with an annual income of £36 million,
ACS is responsible for providing a wide range of
essential services and facilities to staff, students
and visitors across the University. These include;
accommodation and welfare support, catering and
hospitality, conferences and events.
ACS is responsible for providing accommodation
and related services and support for nearly 6,000
students in its residences. It runs a number of highquality bars and food outlets, delivering catering
to meetings held throughout the University and
provides venues and catering for conferences and
special events such as weddings and graduations.
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ACS and UNICUS recognise the importance of
their staff and have several initiatives in place to
develop and reward them. ACS has consistently
been awarded the Investors in People standard, a
national quality framework which help to improve
performance and realise its objectives through the
effective management and development of staff.
Training and quality are at the heart of the ethos of
ACS and UNICUS, for which we employ a dedicated
Head of Training and Quality. ACS and UNICUS
have a strong focus on customer service and are
accredited by ‘Customer First UK.’
Following a £160 million investment, achieved in
collaboration with a partner organisation, the
University’s student residences at Endcliffe and
The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
Ranmoor are amongst the best in the country and
have been voted Number 1 for Accommodation in
the Times Higher Education Student Experience
Awards in both 2014 and 2015. The residences
provide modern accommodation and social
facilities for students as well as state-of-the-art
conference and event spaces.
The University is also continuing to invest in its
facilities on campus. New developments, such as
the Student’s Union building and the Diamond
Building (opening in October 2015) have given ACS
and UNICUS the opportunity to develop the scope
of their operations and to enhance the customer
experience.
ACS and UNICUS are proud to have been awarded
the CUBO (College and University Business Offices)
awards as ‘Commercial University of the Year 2014’
and ‘Best Student Accommodation’ in 2012. CUBO
is the professional association for senior managers
in higher education whose responsibilities include
the strategic development, management and
administration of an institution’s accommodation,
catering and hospitality, conferences and events
business.
In 2012 the University established UNICUS
Sheffield Ltd as a wholly owned subsidiary
company and it now runs most of the catering
and retail services provided for the University
community. UNICUS also manages the highly
regarded Halifax Hotel, a village store, restaurants
and cafes. The company has a Board of Directors
that includes the Director of ACS as an Executive
Director. The ACS Head of Commercial Services
is the General Manager of UNICUS. The budgeted
income of UNICUS for 2015/16 is £4.9 million, with
a company workforce of 80.
For more information on the Department of
Accommodation and Commercial Services see:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/acs
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with
drive, energy and a strong customer focus to shape
and secure the Department of Accommodation
and Commercial Services (ACS) for the future
ensuring that the University continues to offer an
exceptional student and customer experience for
all those who come to study and work in Sheffield.
As Director of ACS you will also be an Executive
Director of UNICUS. You will provide strategic
leadership by articulating a compelling vision for
the development of resources and services that
align with the University’s strategic objectives and
business priorities.
As a role model you will champion the behaviours
and values of
• The ‘Sheffield Professional’ (www.sheffield.ac.uk/
sheffieldprofessionals/index) and
• The ‘Sheffield Leader‘
(www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/sld/sheffieldleader)
promoting their integration into the life of ACS and
UNICUS and their staff.
Key Relationships:
• The Director of ACS (and Director of UNICUS)
reports to The Chief Financial Officer.
• The Director of ACS (and Director of UNICUS)
is a member of Professional Services Executive.
• The post holder will also liaise and collaborate
regularly with other members of the
Professional Services Executive (PSE).
www.sheffield.ac.uk/departments/
professional-services
You will ensure effective operational delivery
of ACS and UNICUS to all stakeholders and
customers.
Accommodation & Commercial Services
The Directorate
Director of ACS
and
Executive Director
of UNICUS
Personal Assistant
Head of Commercial
Services and the General
Manager of UNICUS
Head of
Accommodation Services
Head of
Finance
Head of
Training and Quality
ACS Organisational Structure(1)
June2013
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Role
Strategic Leadership
Commercial and Financial Leadership
1. Provide strong strategic leadership, vision,
planning and management of ACS and UNICUS,
ensuring the effective contribution to and
alignment with the University’s strategy and
priorities.
6. Ensure effective and efficient commercial and
financial management of value-for-money
services in line with University financial
principles and related policies.
2. Contribute to the leadership of the University
in partnership with senior faculty officers and
as part of Professional Services Executive, to
facilitate an outstanding learning experience
for all our students. 3. Collaborate in particular with leaders of
other Professional Services Departments and
services to develop high quality integrated
service propositions for student, staff and
visitors.
4. Continually enhance the University’s national
and international reputation by taking an
active role in influential professional groups
and networks, both nationally and where
appropriate internationally, to keep the
University at the forefront of innovative
professional practice.
7. Constantly exploit opportunities and
continually develop the University’s
accommodation, catering and hospitality and
conference and events offer to students, staff
and visitors. 8. Ensure sound financial practice across the
range of services and activities within ACS and
UNICUS and in compliance with University
Financial Regulations.
9. Ensure the effective planning and use of all
resources and equipment across the ACS and
UNICUS.
10. Promote the ethical and environmental ethos
of ACS and UNICUS in the planning and delivery
of product and services (for example the
Sustainable Food policy, Fairtrade products
and other sustainable activities).
5. Ensure professional advice and direction for
the University in relation to its strategy for
accommodation, catering and hospitality,
conferences and events.
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Role (cont.)
People Leadership
11. Lead and motivate staff fostering a culture of
excellence, co-operation and outstanding
customer service within and beyond ACS and
UNICUS.
12. Ensure all staff have access to the necessary
support to enable them to contribute fully and
to develop their skills and experience.
13. Ensure effective use of all staffing resources
and seek out opportunities for collaboration
and joint working with others beyond ACS and
UNICUS into the wider University.
14. Ensure that staff are engaged and managed
appropriately with clear expectations of
performance, appropriate management
structures and processes.
15. Ensure that University HR policies and
procedures are implemented and followed.
16. Ensure a safe and healthy environment for both
staff and students, including full compliance
with health and safety requirements and visa
regulations.
17. Promote the University’s commitment to
equality of opportunity in all aspects of the
role, engendering an environment where all
staff can excel, flourish and succeed.
18. Any other duties and responsibilities
appropriate to nature and level of the post.
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Person
Education
make competent decisions and use of resources
effectively.
Educated to degree level (or equivalent).
Extensive management experience at senior level
in facilities / catering / hospitality environments
and the delivery of customer focused high quality,
value for money services.
Able to influence at senior levels and to play a
key role in the wider leadership of the University
– demonstrating gravitas , credibility and
engendering confidence in personal, professional
and leadership expertise.
Able to take a leading role in the accommodation
/ hospitality industry both in the HE sector and
more generally with partners locally, nationally and
internationally.
Solid business background with demonstrable
experience in leading large scale successful
commercial ventures. Politically astute, demonstrating an ability to work
within the formal and informal university networks,
bodies and processes.
Sound financial experience gained in a complex
organisational context, success in sustainable
income generation and growth.
Technical and Commercial Skills
Likely to be a Fellow, Member or Associate of the
Institute of Hospitality.
Knowledge and Experience
Experience of developing, leading and delivering an
agreed strategy and goals in line with the vision of
the organisation.
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to
explore and exploit new business and income
generating opportunities complementary to
existing services, which are beneficial to the
University and which enhance the student , staff
and visitor experience.
Leadership
The leadership ability to motivate, engage and
develop a large diverse team of staff to deliver
excellent services and to fulfil their potential,
using a range of leadership styles according to the
circumstances.
The team leadership skills to develop senior
staff and to enable senior direct reports to fulfil
their potential, ensure effective communications,
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Excellent project management skills and
experience in management of capital programmes
and the introduction of new services and business
initiatives. The ability to create, develop and
present cogent business cases and business plans. Experienced in the effective development and use
of management information systems to support
and sustain the business.
The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
The Person (cont.)
Influencing and Communication Skills
Personal Attributes
The ability to develop, influence and maintain
strong collaborative networks both within and
outside the university with a wide range of
stakeholders, including students, customers,
colleagues and potential partners.
Open, collaborative, inclusive and approachable. Reliable with the drive to deliver.
Able to articulate a compelling vision for ACS and
UNICUS and to engage stakeholders and staff to
deliver – able to express complex ideas simply,
clearly and precisely through a range of media
appropriate to the audience.
Diplomatic and politically astute – able to operate
effectively within both the formal and informal
networks and structures of the University.
Excellent listening, communication and
interpersonal skills with the ability to engage
with and to enthuse people at all levels within the
University and beyond.
Creative, innovative and solutions oriented
demonstrating energy, optimism and flexibility.
Strong sense of financial and personal probity
and able to inspire confidence in personal
accountability for significant levels of public and
commercial funding.
Willing to work flexibly outside normal hours
according to the needs of the business.
Able to deal effectively with personal and
institutional disagreement and conflict, promoting
speedy resolution by taking account of peoples’
needs, values and behaviour.
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
A Remarkable
place to work
Our staff and their collective talent is the first and
foremost priority for a university that wishes to
change the world for the better through the power
and application of ideas and knowledge. Our vision
is simple - to create a remarkable place to work.
We believe this can be achieved through attracting,
growing and engaging a diverse range of staff from
many different backgrounds with the ambition to
transform people’s lives, a desire to take a leading
role in research and teaching and a commitment
to continually enhance the reputation of the
University. In our 2014 staff survey 9 per cent of
staff across the University told us they are proud to
work here. We offer an excellent reward and benefits package
through our total reward and recognition offer,
The Deal, which includes:
• An extraordinary health and wellbeing offer
‘Juice’, that promotes happiness and wellbeing
amongst our staff through a broad range of
inclusive activities www.shef.ac.uk/juice
• Generous holiday entitlements and the
opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• A comprehensive selection of benefits and
offers to suit your changing lifestyle needs, for
example childcare vouchers, Cycle to Work
initiative and staff discounts.
• Access to professional and personal
management and leadership development
through Develop. Manage. Lead.
• Award-winning equality and diversity action
which enhances working life for all. 91 per cent
of staff tell us they are treated with fairness
and respect (staff survey 2014)
www.shef.ac.uk/hr/equality
• Competitive pay, pension and reward
opportunities linked to performance.
For more information on any of the above visit
www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/staffbenefis
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
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The University of Sheffield
The City
of Sheffield
This extraordinary city is the perfect setting for ground-breaking
collaborations. It’s world-famous for precision engineering. Creative
and digital industries account for almost two fifths of the region’s jobs.
Healthcare technology is another growth sector. Sheffield Teaching
Hospitals is the UK’s largest NHS foundation trust and includes the Charles
Clifford Dental Hospital which has very close links with the School.
This is a vibrant, friendly, safe city surrounded by some of the most breathtaking countryside in the UK. It offers an excellent quality of life and proudly
has the highest retention of students than any other city – many students
and staff come here and never leave.
Shefﬁeld has been called the UK’s greenest city; there are 50 public parks
and 170 woodlands within the city boundary. England’s fourth-largest city, it
has the wealth of facilities you’d expect to find in a major city, yet more than
a third of the city lies inside the beautiful Peak District National Park. It is
the UK’s only city with a National Park within its boundary, but it offers much
more than beautiful countryside.
Sheffield is geographically diverse, nestled in a natural amphitheatre
created by seven hills, and fed by five rivers. This diversity has given rise to
an exceptional range of activities available, from walking or climbing in the
beautiful Peak District to taking a boat ride along one of Sheffield’s canals. The city is home to a range of museums and galleries and also contains the
largest theatre complex outside London.
Located in the centre of the UK, at the heart of an excellent transport
network, the M1 and M62 are within easy reach, there are 6 international
airports within 65 miles and a bustling railway station offers access to every
corner of the UK, and beyond. The main University campus lies on the
western edge of the city centre and is easy to get to by car, bus and tram.
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Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
Terms of Appointment
Terms and conditions of appointment:
Pension:
This is an open ended post and conditions will be
those of Professorial Equivalent staff.
Professorial staff can opt to join the Universities
Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Salary and Terms and Conditions for this role:
Total Reward Package:
An excellent salary of £80,000–£100,000 within
Professorial Equivalent Band III.
The Deal is the University’s total reward and
recognition offer. The Deal recognises the
contribution staff members make to the success of
the University and aims to provide flexibility to its
staff to choose benefits that support their lifestyle.
In addition to the core benefits detailed in this
section we also offer childcare vouchers, a Cycle to
Work scheme and a range of discounts and retail
offers negotiated on behalf of University staff
A generous relocation package is available subject
to the terms of the scheme.
Other terms and conditions are those for
professorial equivalent staff.
Holidays:
30 days, plus 3 closure days, plus 8 bank holidays
per year. There is also the opportunity to purchase
additional leave.
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The University of Sheffield
Appointment of The Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services
April 2015
How to Apply
To apply for this role
please visit our website at
www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs
Informal enquiries:
For all on-line application system
queries and support, contact: [email protected]
To make an informal enquiry
about this job, contact:
Bob Rabone
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
0114 222 1506
or
Helen Rodger
Head of HR Operations
[email protected]
0114 222 1602
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The University of Sheffield