At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of Dogs Trust’s estates and facilities while managing a dedicated team.
- Company: Join Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog charity, making a real difference for dogs.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and a chance to impact lives.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that improves the lives of dogs every day.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in property management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead and shape the future of Dogs Trust’s estates and facilities? We’re looking for a Head of Estates, Facilities and Safety to oversee our commercial property portfolio, including our London office. You’ll manage a dedicated team, tackle operational challenges, control costs, and ensure our properties continue to support the charity’s mission to improve the lives of dogs.
What does this role do?
- Develop and deliver a long‑term commercial property strategy, working with colleagues responsible for centres and shops.
- Lead health, safety, and risk management across all properties and embed risks into business continuity planning.
- Oversee leases, contracts and agreements to maximise value, minimise risk, and ensure compliance.
- Manage budgets, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and ensure properties support financial sustainability.
- Oversee facilities management, maintenance and development projects, including the London office.
- Support sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and achieve net‑zero targets.
Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you’ll need senior‑level experience in property and facilities management, ideally with an RICS Certificate. You should have strong commercial and financial acumen, be an effective communicator, and be able to make strategic decisions under pressure. You’ll understand building regulations, health and safety, compliance and sustainability, and have proven leadership in developing high‑performing teams across multiple sites.
About Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK’s leading dog charity, striving to help every dog to find its forever home. Since 1891 we have worked to improve the lives of dogs, supporting owners and ensuring dogs are never left homeless.
Diversity and Inclusion
Dogs Trust values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures and are dedicated to supporting candidates through the entire application process.
Head of Estates, Facilities and Safety employer: Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within the non-profit sector while making a tangible difference in the lives of dogs. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainability, you will be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and inclusion. Located in London, our office provides a vibrant environment where your expertise in estates and facilities management will directly contribute to our mission of ensuring every dog finds a loving home.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates, Facilities and Safety
✨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 Dogs Trust.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Dogs 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 Dogs Trust's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates, Facilities and Safety
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 Head of Estates, Facilities and Safety role at Dogs 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 Dogs 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 Dogs 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 Dogs 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 Dogs Trust.
