Director of Estates
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) invites applications and nominations for appointment as Director of Estates.
The University
HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 17th under QS World University Rankings 2025 and 35th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. It is a leading university in Asia with more than 39,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and more than 13,000 academic, teaching and research, and administrative staff. Home to ten disciplinary Faculties, HKU is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange across diverse subject expertise to address global issues impacting humanity in the rapidly changing world. It also endeavors to provide a comprehensive education, benchmarked against the highest international standards, designed to develop fully the intellectual and personal strengths of its students, while extending lifelong learning opportunities for the community.
HKU has embarked on a major building programme to develop new state-of-the-art facilities that will accommodate cutting-edge research and learning activities, as well as quality living space for staff and students. The new projects support its mission to push boundaries and provide a stimulating environment for our world-class scholars and students.
The Role
Reporting to the Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of the University, the Director of Estates is also accountable functionally to the Campus Development and Planning Committee of the Council.
The appointee will oversee the operations of the Estates Office. He/She will provide vision, leadership and management for estates services across the University, develop and implement a significantly modern, leading-edge and sustainable Estates Strategy that underpins and advances the University’s strategic objectives. He/She will work closely with key stakeholders across the University to formulate creative solutions for campus planning and estates development, to lead the management and development of the University’s rolling planned and preventative maintenance programme as well as to implement estates-related policies, procedures and systems, and effective control measures to ensure compliance with related legislation and statutory requirements. He/She is also expected to lead and deliver transformational change within the Estates Office, reshape and revitalize the estates structure and implement a best practice operating model.
Qualifications and Qualities
Qualified candidates should possess the following qualifications, experience and personal attributes:
- Possess relevant postgraduate and professional qualification in Architecture, Building Construction Management, Building Engineering, Financial Management & Evaluation or related disciplines, and full membership of HKIA, HKIE, CPA or similar professional bodies;
- Possess over 20 years of senior management experience in sizable and complex organizations, with a proven record of success;
- Hold a balanced perspective and management skills in different key functions of the operations from Planning, Development, Operation to Management & Controls;
- Strong track record of achievement in strategic estates management, with extensive knowledge of large-scale capital development, facilities maintenance and management. Experience in strategy development and managing multiple and major estates projects;
- Experience of leadership and management of a wide variety of professional and support staff in complex organizations and in multi-location environment;
- Strategic thinking, with the proven ability to innovate and to manage change in a complex environment;
- Experience of and capability in financial management and risk management;
- Leadership skills and capable of establishing high level effective relationships across the University and with a range of external organizations and stakeholders;
- Highly developed communication and presentation skills both oral and written;
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; and
- Experience in managing government funded capital construction projects or government subvention projects, and proven China experience are advantages.
What We Offer
The appointment will be made on fixed-term full-time contract for 5 years (initial 3 years and another 2 years subject to review), to commence as soon as possible with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
Nomination, Expression of Interest and Applications
Nomination, expressions of interest and applications should be directed to Odgers Berndtson via email at DIR.ESTATES.HKU@odgersberndtson.com in confidence. Review of nominations and applications will begin as soon as possible, and will continue until the post is filled.
The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.
