Head of Estates in London

Location : London, with regular travel across multiple operational sites. Contract type: FTC - 12 months The Role: We are seeking a dynamic Head of Estates & Facilities to provide strategic and operational leadership across a multi-site estate. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for estate management, facilities services, capital projects, asset management, compliance, property strategy, and service delivery. You will be responsible for ensuring that all buildings, infrastructure and facilities are safe, compliant, well-maintained and fit for purpose, while delivering value for money and supporting wider organisational objectives. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead the development and implementation of estate strategies, capital investment programmes, and facilities management models that support both current and future operational needs. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who thrives on balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational delivery. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership * Develop and deliver a comprehensive estates and facilities strategy aligned to organisational objectives. * Create and implement fully costed short-, medium- and long-term plans covering both operational and capital expenditure. * Provide expert estates, facilities and property advice to senior leadership teams and governance boards. Estates & Asset Management * Lead the management of a diverse property portfolio, ensuring assets remain safe, compliant and operationally effective. * Oversee capital works, refurbishment projects, redevelopment programmes and planned investment activities. * Manage leases, rent reviews, rates, insurance matters and wider property-related obligations. Facilities Management * Oversee both hard and soft facilities management services, whether delivered internally or through external providers. * Ensure maintenance programmes, service desk functions, security, cleaning, waste and specialist services operate effectively and deliver value for money. * Lead options appraisals and procurement activity, determining the most effective service delivery models. Compliance & Risk Management * Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements relating to building safety, fire safety, water hygiene, environmental compliance and health & safety. * Maintain effective risk management processes across the estate and facilities function. * Ensure staff, contractors and stakeholders operate in line with agreed safety standards and procedures. Leadership & Performance * Lead, develop and motivate high-performing estates and facilities teams. * Drive continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence. * Manage significant operational and capital budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money. About You: We're looking for an experienced estates and facilities professional with a strategic mindset and strong leadership capability. Experience and qualifications needed : * Significant experience leading estates and facilities functions across complex, multi-site property portfolios. * Strong knowledge of property management, asset management, facilities management and statutory compliance. * Experience managing both hard and soft facilities services and overseeing outsourced service providers. * Proven expertise in capital projects, refurbishment programmes and estate strategy delivery. * Excellent commercial awareness with experience managing operational and capital budgets. * Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise at senior leadership level. * Strong people leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams. * A proactive approach to problem solving, service improvement and organisational change. * Qualifications Required * Professionally qualified facilities management, property or construction professional. * Membership of a relevant professional body such as IWFM, CIOB or equivalent. * IOSH membership and NEBOSH qualification (certificate or diploma level). * RICS membership or equivalent experience desirable