At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage estates, facilities, and health & safety for a vibrant college.
- Company: The Henley College, a leading sixth form college in Henley-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, free gym access, discounts, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning environment and safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in estates management and health & safety qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44962 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Estates and Health & Safety to lead and manage all aspects of estates, facilities, and health and safety across the College. This is a role with strategic and operational responsibility for delivering a safe, compliant, high-quality and sustainable learning environment for students, staff and visitors. Working closely with the Finance Director and senior leaders, you will play a key role in transforming and maintaining the College estate in line with our Estates Strategy and Strategic Plan. You will lead the estates team and manage key contractors, ensuring excellent standards of maintenance, health & safety compliance, and value for money across all areas of the estate.
Main Responsibilities
- Strategic Estates Leadership
- Deliver the objectives of the College Estates Strategy and contribute to long-term estate planning
- Produce and manage annual planned maintenance and development schedules
- Prepare reports for Senior Leadership Team and Governors on estates performance, compliance and sustainability
- Learning Environment & College Image
- Ensure the College provides a welcoming, safe, clean and professional environment at all times
- Develop and implement minimum standards for all teaching, learning and communal spaces
- Maximise space utilisation and support the efficient, creative use of facilities
- Support the smooth delivery of college events and activities
- Facilities, Maintenance & Projects
- Oversee day-to-day management, security and maintenance of buildings and grounds
- Develop and manage a robust Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme
- Lead refurbishment and capital projects from procurement through to evaluation
- Manage estates budgets and contracts, ensuring compliance, quality and value for money
- Health & Safety Leadership
- Act as the College’s competent person for health and safety
- Develop, implement and monitor health & safety policies, procedures and risk assessments
- Chair the Health & Safety Committee and drive a positive safety culture
- Lead on fire safety, business continuity planning, emergency procedures and incident investigations
- Oversee first aid provision, training, compliance and equipment
- Team Leadership & Compliance
- Line manage and develop the estates team
- Work closely with Finance to maintain the asset register
- Ensure compliance with college policies, safeguarding, equality, GDPR and statutory requirements
About You
Essential:
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification in estates/facilities management or a related discipline
- Recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent)
- Proven experience of delivering estates or capital projects on time and within budget
- Strong track record of health & safety leadership beyond basic compliance
- Experience of line management and contractor management
- Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment
Desirable:
- Experience within an education or public-sector setting
- Understanding of how estates support the learner journey
Why Join Us?
The Henley College is a leading sixth form college, serving young people and adult learners across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Located in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, we are a vibrant, inclusive organisation with around 250 dedicated staff. Our values — High Expectations, Enterprise, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork (HEART) — are at the centre of everything we do.
As part of our team, you will benefit from:
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Free onsite gym and 40% discount at Henley Leisure Centre
- Free car parking and excellent public transport links
- On-site cafés
- 24/7 wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
The Henley College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Head of Estates and Health & Safety employer: Henleycol
The Henley College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment in the picturesque location of Henley-on-Thames. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits such as membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to thrive while contributing to a safe and high-quality learning environment for our students. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values high expectations, accountability, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates and Health & Safety
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates and Health & Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Henleycol
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✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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