At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management and maintenance of our property portfolio across the East Midlands.
- Company: Kara Healthcare, a quality care provider focused on exceptional resident care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to delivering first-class care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating safe, compliant, and high-quality care environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates management within healthcare and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Kara Healthcare is a quality care provider devoted to delivering first-class dementia, nursing, residential, and respite care to residents living in our homes. We believe our residents deserve choice, dignity, and independence. Our main focus is to create a friendly, safe, and warm environment for everyone in our homes. Tailored care plans and 24-hour personal support for each resident help us achieve this.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Estates to lead the strategic oversight, operational management, and maintenance of our property portfolio across the East Midlands region. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the COO. The role is critical in ensuring all homes meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, quality, and functionality to support the delivery of exceptional person-centred care. You will lead the estates function, manage capital projects and budgets, and ensure full regulatory compliance across all sites. You will play a key role in supporting operational performance, service development, and ensuring our environments are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure full compliance with CQC fundamental standards, particularly Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment).
- Manage statutory compliance across all properties including gas safety, electrical systems (EICRs), lifting equipment (LOLER), pressure systems (PSSR), and other regulatory requirements.
- Act as Responsible Person for Fire Safety and ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Develop and oversee robust Health and Safety systems including COSHH, working at height, and legionella control (ACOP L8).
- Implement and manage a comprehensive Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme.
- Oversee reactive maintenance ensuring minimal disruption and prioritising resident safety and comfort.
- Lead capital works, refurbishments, and estate improvement projects ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Manage procurement processes and contractor relationships to ensure high standards of quality, safeguarding, and compliance.
- Prepare and manage operational and capital expenditure budgets in a cost-effective manner.
- Collaborate closely with Regional and Registered Managers, Finance, and People teams to ensure estates operations support business performance and regulatory compliance.
- Promote a proactive, solutions-focused culture across the estates team.
About You
- Proven experience in estates or facilities leadership within healthcare, care homes, or regulated environments.
- Strong knowledge of CQC regulations and statutory compliance requirements.
- Experience managing multi-site portfolios and capital projects.
- Confident budget holder with strong financial and commercial awareness.
- Strong contractor management and procurement experience.
- Clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within care environments.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence across teams.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent Health and Safety qualification desirable.
- Relevant estates, building services, or facilities management qualification desirable.
Requirements
- Proven experience in estates management within a regulated care or healthcare setting.
- Strong understanding of statutory testing and certification requirements.
- Experience leading planned preventative maintenance programmes.
- Ability to travel regularly across Northeast and East Midlands regions.
- Commitment to maintaining safe, compliant, and high-quality environments.
Package and Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Full-time regional role.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive senior leadership team.
- Clear career progression opportunities.
Head of Estates East Midlands in Leicester employer: Kara Healthcare
Kara Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both residents and staff. With a commitment to professional development and clear career progression opportunities, employees are empowered to grow within the organisation while contributing to the delivery of high-quality care in a safe and compliant environment. Located in Leicester, the role of Head of Estates provides a unique opportunity to lead impactful projects across the East Midlands, ensuring that our homes remain welcoming and functional for all residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates East Midlands in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those connections; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what Kara Healthcare stands for and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We recommend focusing on your leadership experience and how you’ve handled compliance in past roles, as these are key for the Head of Estates position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates East Midlands in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in estates management, especially within healthcare. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Kara Healthcare!
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance is key in this role, be sure to mention your understanding of CQC regulations and any relevant certifications. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about safety and quality!
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a senior leadership position, we’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in multi-site environments.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kara Healthcare
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with CQC regulations and statutory compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards, especially around safe care and treatment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led estates or facilities teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate across different departments, as this role requires strong communication skills.
✨Budget Savvy
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing operational and capital expenditure budgets. Share specific instances where you’ve effectively managed costs while ensuring high standards of quality and compliance.
✨Proactive Problem Solver
Demonstrate your solutions-focused mindset by discussing challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show that you can promote a proactive culture within the estates team.
