Director of Works – Trinity College, Cambridge
Salary up to £110,000 p.a. and excellent benefits package
We are seeking to appoint a Director of Works to develop and implement a long-term plan for the maintenance and refurbishment of the College’s estate; oversee major capital projects including the construction of new, sustainable buildings including oversight of a significant decarbonisation programme across the operational estate. Founded by Henry VIII in 1546 by combining King’s Hall and Michaelhouse, Trinity College is the largest of the 31 Cambridge Colleges with some of the most historic buildings in Cambridge.
The oldest part of the College dates from the time of King’s Hall, 1317. Much of the building work began when Thomas Neville was appointed Master in 1593, including Great Court and the cloisters facing the river. Neville’s Court itself was completed in the late 17th century, including the Library designed by Sir Christopher Wren. New Court and Whewell’s Court were built in the 19th century. More recent buildings, including Blue Boar Court, Burrell’s Field, the Wolfson Building and the Winstanley Lecture Theatre date from the 1990’s.
Trinity strives to give its members a rewarding, richly resourced, and intellectually inspiring environment in which to pursue their education and research. Trinity is home to over 720 undergraduates, over 350 graduates, and more than 190 Fellows. There are 340 members of staff. College life is lively and diverse and has changed greatly over the centuries, but the strong academic tradition has been maintained. In science and economics, for example, Trinity has provided 34 Nobel Prize-winners since they were first awarded in 1901. Today the College is looking forward and continues to be globally renowned for its excellence in the academic world.
The Director of Works is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the strategic management and development of the College estate. Working closely with the Junior Bursar and within the College’s governance framework, the postholder will lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of maintenance, refurbishment and capital programmes across a complex and historically significant estate.
The Director of Works leads the senior team within the Works department, comprising Building & Services Manager, Facilities Manager, College Building Surveyor, Works Construction Compliance Officer, Procurement Manager, Capital Projects Manager and Climate Change Delivery Manager.
The postholder will ensure the delivery of annual objectives within the approved budget. They will ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations and will ensure the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Of particular importance is compliance with Health and Safety legislation and regulations so that students, Fellows and staff can live and work in a safe environment.
Candidates must have significant experience in estates or property leadership, including the management of maintenance operations and the delivery of complex capital programmes. While not essential, a degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Civil Engineering would be an advantage. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be able to operate effectively within a collegiate environment, engaging and influencing Fellows, staff and external advisors.
A competitive salary is offered with additional benefits which include subsidised gym, cycle to work scheme, free lunch when on duty in College and private health and dental insurance, subject to eligibility.
All applicants for jobs at Trinity College are asked to complete the College Application form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring form which can be found below.
The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 22 April 2026.