Head of Estates in Devon, Exeter

Head of Estates in Devon, Exeter

Devon +1 Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hays

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the management of diverse estates, ensuring safety and high-quality environments.
  • Company: Values-driven organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and free parking.
  • Other info: Join the Senior Leadership Team in a beautiful rural setting.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping a diverse estate portfolio.
  • Qualifications: Experience in estates or facilities management, strong leadership, and compliance knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Your new company

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a values-led organisation that supports adults with learning disabilities and autism to live meaningful, independent lives within thriving communities. The organisation operates across a diverse multi-site estate, including supported living accommodation, community facilities and social enterprises, and is committed to delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality environments for the people it supports.

Your new role

As Head of Estates & Facilities, you will join the Senior Leadership Team and take overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management of a diverse estate, comprising supported living accommodation, community facilities, infrastructure and capital projects. Leading the estate's maintenance, grounds and cleaning functions, you will ensure the estate remains safe, compliant and fit for purpose, whilst maintaining high standards of service delivery across multiple sites.

A unique aspect of the role is the management and oversight of the estate's private water supply. Working closely with specialist contractors and stakeholders, you will be responsible for ensuring the continuity, compliance and effective operation of the water system, particularly during periods of increased demand throughout the warmer months. Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners, you will oversee estate budgets, procurement activities, planned and reactive maintenance programmes, and capital investment projects. You will play a key role in driving continuous improvement through the development of robust systems, reporting mechanisms and operational processes, helping to support informed decision-making and long-term estate planning.

The successful candidate will provide leadership to a team of four direct reports, including an experienced Estates Manager, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. The role also includes participation in a shared on-call rota with the Estates Manager, although call-out requirements are expected to be infrequent. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estates or facilities professional to make a tangible impact within a values-driven organisation, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight in a unique and rewarding environment.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will have significant experience in a senior estates, facilities or property management position, with responsibility for operational leadership, contractor management and budget control. You will possess strong knowledge of statutory compliance, health and safety legislation and project delivery, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. The organisation is seeking an adaptable and hands-on leader who is comfortable working in a collaborative environment and confident in managing systems, reporting and compliance documentation. Experience within care, supported living, healthcare, charity or similarly regulated environments would be highly advantageous. A full UK driving licence is essential.

What you'll get in return

  • Salary of £55,000 - £60,000 DOE
  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Pension scheme
  • Free on-site parking
  • Opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team
  • Meaningful and rewarding work within a purpose-driven organisation
  • A beautiful rural working environment
  • The chance to shape and develop a diverse estate portfolio while making a positive difference to people's lives

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Locations

DevonExeter

Head of Estates in Devon, Exeter employer: Hays

Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.

Hays

Contact Details:

Hays Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Devon, Exeter

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Estates at Hays!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Hays or be willing to refer you for that Head of Estates position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Hays who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Estates star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Estates role at Hays!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates in Devon, Exeter

Strategic Leadership
Operational Management
Contractor Management
Budget Control
Statutory Compliance
Health and Safety Legislation
Project Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Hays. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Hays. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!