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- Tasks: Lead and manage the strategic delivery of estate and facilities services.
- Company: Join a prestigious educational establishment in beautiful Suffolk surroundings.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, a varied role, and opportunities for innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a diverse multi-site organisation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in estates management, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications required.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team focused on operational excellence and safety.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 63800 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and visionary Estates professional ready to take the next step in your career? A leading educational establishment set in beautiful surroundings is seeking a Head of Estates to lead the strategic and operational delivery of its estate and facilities services.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and elevate the estate of a prestigious and diverse multi-site organisation, encompassing a variety of different buildings. You’ll bring leadership, innovation, and drive to a vital role that ensures the smooth operation, safety, and exceptional presentation of all facilities.
The Role
As Head of Estates, you will report directly to the Director and play a key leadership role across Maintenance, Grounds, and Cleaning functions. Your focus will be on operational excellence, customer service, and safe, sustainable estate management. You’ll also oversee capital development, compliance, and contractor performance—ensuring all activity aligns with long-term strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver planned preventative maintenance and capital works programmes, including a 10-Year Strategic Plan.
- Lead large-scale estate development projects from concept to completion—on time, within scope and budget.
- Oversee the performance of third-party contractors and in-house teams, ensuring services are delivered to the highest standard.
- Set clear SLAs, tender contracts in line with procurement procedures, and monitor supplier KPIs.
- Act as a key liaison for all estate-related matters, working closely with internal stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation across all properties, embedding a culture of safety and accountability.
- Chair regular Estates team meetings and attend senior management and board meetings as required.
About You
Our Client is looking for a forward-thinking, proactive, and strategically minded estates leader with:
- 10+ years’ experience in estates/facilities management—ideally within education, healthcare, heritage, or similar complex environments.
- Strong people leadership skills, with a proven track record of managing diverse operational teams and third-party contractors.
- Experience in capital project delivery and a solid understanding of building services and compliance requirements.
- A professional qualification in Facilities Management (IWFM, AssocRICS, or working toward).
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative, problem-solving mindset and the ability to balance long-term strategic projects with day-to-day operational needs.
What’s on Offer
A highly rewarding and varied role with a respected and values-driven organisation. The chance to work in a stunning environment with a wide range of buildings and grounds. An influential position where you can lead real change, innovation, and improvement.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to step into a role where your organisational skills, people focus and vendor expertise will be truly valued, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to apply for this role, please contact one of the Maxwell Stephens team on 02071184848 for more details. You can also send your CV to cv@maxwellstephens.com.
Head of Estates employer: Maxwell Stephens Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Maxwell Stephens Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the estates and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights or opportunities related to the Head of Estates role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific educational establishment you're applying to. Understand their values, mission, and any recent developments in their estate management. Tailoring your approach based on this knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed diverse teams in the past. Be ready to provide examples of how you've led large-scale projects and ensured compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing case studies or scenarios where you've effectively balanced strategic projects with day-to-day operations. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively in a leadership role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in estates and facilities management. Focus on your leadership roles, project delivery, and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Estates position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for the role. Discuss how your background and skills make you the ideal candidate to lead the strategic and operational delivery of estate services. Be sure to mention your experience with compliance and contractor management.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a professional qualification in Facilities Management or related fields, make it prominent in your application. This will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your understanding of industry standards.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your people leadership skills and experience managing diverse teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully led projects and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxwell Stephens Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Estates, you'll need to demonstrate your strong people leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed diverse operational teams and third-party contractors in the past.
✨Highlight Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with capital project delivery. Share details about large-scale estate development projects you've led, focusing on how you ensured they were completed on time and within budget.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Understanding health and safety legislation is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've embedded a culture of safety and accountability in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll act as a key liaison for estate-related matters, so think about how you've effectively communicated with internal stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share strategies you've used to manage relationships and expectations.
