Head of Estates Operations

Head of Estates Operations

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Hertfordshire Constabulary

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage diverse property operations, ensuring safety and compliance across multiple sites.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking Constabulary with a focus on estate transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of our estates while making a real impact in your community.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in estates management and relevant qualifications required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are seeking an exceptional and proactive leader to join our senior management team as Head of Estate Operations. You will have full strategic and operational responsibility for a diverse property portfolio, ensuring all sites are safe, compliant, and maintained to the highest standards. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive operational excellence to support our wider business goals. The successful applicant will be joining the Constabulary at an exciting time following the recent completion of our £70m new Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and approval of a wide-ranging Estates Strategy that they will be actively involved in delivering.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day facilities and estates operations across multiple sites, ensuring maximum efficiency and high-quality service delivery.
  • Compliance & Governance: Ensure strict adherence to all statutory, regulatory, and health and safety requirements, including building compliance (fire safety, HVAC, water hygiene).
  • Maintenance & Strategy: Develop and deliver planned and reactive maintenance programmes, asset management plans, and capital works projects.
  • Financial Control: Oversee the operational budget, identifying efficiencies and ensuring cost-effective maintenance and contractor management.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of internal staff and manage external contractors and stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Experience: Proven track record in a senior estates, facilities, or property management leadership role, preferably within a complex environment.
  • Qualifications: A relevant qualification in Estates Management, Building Surveying, or Facilities Management (e.g., IWFM).
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of statutory compliance frameworks, including Health & Safety regulations.
  • Leadership Skills: Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunity to shape the future of our estate transformation and modernisation projects.
  • Flexible working options available.

What We Offer

  • Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
  • Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
  • Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
  • Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
  • Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
  • Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
  • Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme:
  • Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
  • Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
  • Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
  • Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups and more.
  • Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
  • Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
  • People of all ages and abilities
  • All faiths and religions
  • LGBTQ+ communities
  • Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds

Commitment to Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme. We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.

Head of Estates Operations employer: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Join a forward-thinking Constabulary as the Head of Estates Operations, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our estate transformation projects. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a diverse, inclusive work culture, we offer competitive salaries, generous leave, and flexible working options, all while ensuring you have the opportunity to lead and develop a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Our recent investment in a new Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City exemplifies our commitment to operational excellence and community service.

Hertfordshire Constabulary

Contact Details:

Hertfordshire Constabulary Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Estates Operations

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the estates and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and learn about job openings before they hit the market.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving operational excellence. Share specific examples of how you've improved efficiency or compliance in past roles.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills, don’t just wait for the application window to open. Reach out directly to the hiring team through our website or LinkedIn to express your interest and ask any questions you might have.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's recent projects and their Estates Strategy. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals right from the start!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates Operations

Operational Leadership
Compliance & Governance
Health & Safety Regulations
Maintenance Management
Asset Management
Financial Control
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in estates and facilities management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Estates Operations, you'll be leading teams, so don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles.

Highlight Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance is crucial for this role, make sure to mention your understanding of statutory regulations and health and safety requirements. We’re looking for someone who can ensure our sites are safe and compliant.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our estate transformation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Constabulary

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of estates management and compliance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the latest health and safety regulations, as well as any recent developments in property management. This will show that you're proactive and ready to take on the challenges of the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored staff or managed external contractors. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's values will make a strong impression.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios related to facilities management, compliance issues, or budget constraints. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the estates strategy or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.