At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estates strategy and operational delivery across a diverse and growing estate.
- Company: Archway Learning Trust, committed to ambitious growth for schools and communities.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence strategic direction and make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team dedicated to sustainability and resilience.
- Why this job: Shape environments where thousands of pupils learn and thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership in estates, compliance, and project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a strategically significant post at the heart of our organisation. Reporting directly to the Executive Team, you will lead all aspects of estates strategy, capital planning, compliance, and operational delivery across a diverse and growing estate.
You will:
- Develop and implement a Trust-wide estates strategy aligned to our long-term ambitions and growth plans
- Lead a high-performing estates function, driving service quality, consistency, and system-wide improvement
- Ensure robust health and safety compliance and provide assurance to the Executive and Trustees
- Oversee capital programmes and major projects, ensuring disciplined planning, prioritisation, and delivery
- Lead the Trust’s approach to sustainability, embedding environmental responsibility and long-term resilience
This role extends beyond operational delivery. It requires a leader who can balance strategic coherence with local responsiveness—working closely with school leaders to ensure estates services are practical, efficient, and valued, while maintaining strong central oversight of risk, compliance, and investment.
We are seeking an experienced and credible leader who can operate effectively at scale and across complexity. You will bring:
- A strong track record of strategic estates leadership in a complex organisation
- Deep expertise in compliance, health and safety, and risk management
- Experience of capital planning, asset management, and major project delivery
- The ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and services
- A clear commitment to sustainability and long-term estate resilience
Above all, you will be both strategically astute and operationally credible—able to see the whole system while ensuring rigorous attention to detail.
At Archway, we are ambitious for our schools and communities. Our estate is central to that ambition. This is an opportunity to lead at scale, influence strategic direction, and make a lasting impact on the environments in which thousands of pupils learn and thrive.
Director of Estates in Huddersfield employer: Archway Learning Trust
Archway Learning Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Director of Estates, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our schools and communities, with access to robust professional development opportunities and a commitment to sustainability that enhances both your career and the environments where students thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Estates in Huddersfield
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Archway Learning Trust.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Archway Learning Trust? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Archway Learning Trust's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Director of Estates role at Archway Learning Trust, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Archway Learning Trust
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Archway Learning Trust operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Archway Learning Trust. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Archway Learning Trust.
