At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management and stewardship of a unique estate in Winchester.
- Company: Historic charitable organisation focused on heritage and community impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence at executive level and leave a lasting legacy.
- Why this job: Combine strategic leadership with hands-on management in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates management, health & safety compliance, and team leadership.
- Other info: Confidential application process with a focus on social mission.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Facilities & Estates to take custodianship of a unique and irreplaceable estate within Winchester city centre. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership, technical expertise and purpose-driven work.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the senior leader, you will lead the day-to-day management and long-term stewardship of a complex estate. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, sustainability and asset performance, while balancing the sensitivities of historic buildings with modern living requirements. You will lead a dedicated in-house maintenance team and manage a trusted network of external contractors, surveyors and specialists ensuring a safe, well-maintained and welcoming estate, and that the assets are protected and enhanced for the future. This role blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, offering real autonomy, influence at board level, and the chance to shape a 1030 year estates strategy.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Strategic Estates & Asset Management: Developing and delivering a long-term estates strategy, overseeing capital projects, maintaining a robust asset register, and advising Trustees and senior leadership on asset performance, risk and investment priorities.
- Operational Facilities Leadership: Ensuring the smooth operation, repair and maintenance of all properties, from planned preventative maintenance to reactive works, inspections and improvements always with sensitivity to heritage and conservation requirements.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Acting as the organisation's Health & Safety lead for the estate, ensuring full compliance across fire safety, asbestos, water hygiene, gas and electrical safety, accessibility and housing standards.
- Sustainability & Environmental Performance: Leading energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, improving EPC performance, and embedding sustainability into long-term estate planning.
- Leadership & Team Development: Managing and developing the in-house maintenance team, fostering a professional, resident-focused culture built on safety, pride and accountability.
- Financial & Contractor Management: Controlling budgets, forecasting expenditure, leading procurement and tendering processes, and ensuring excellent value for money without compromising quality or safety.
- Governance & Stakeholder Engagement: Preparing reports for the CEO, Committees and Trustees, managing risk, handling property-related complaints, and contributing to the wider strategic direction of the charity.
Who We’re Looking For
You’ll be an experienced estates or facilities professional with a strong grasp of UK landlord and property compliance, ideally gained within housing, heritage, social landlord or complex estate environments. You bring:
- Proven leadership experience managing teams and contractors
- Deep knowledge of health & safety and statutory compliance
- Confidence managing budgets, capital projects and long-term plans
- The judgement to balance heritage preservation with modern standards
- A collaborative, calm and authoritative leadership style
- Experience with listed buildings, sustainability initiatives, or working within a charitable or purpose-led organisation will be highly valued.
Above all, you’ll bring pride in stewardship, care for people, and a genuine motivation to work in an organisation where your expertise directly supports a meaningful social mission.
Why This Role Stands Out
- A rare senior estates role within a historic charitable setting
- Direct influence at executive and trustee level
- A portfolio unlike any other heritage, community and investment combined
- The chance to leave a tangible, lasting legacy in one city.
This appointment is being handled on a strictly confidential basis. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Head of Facilities & Estates in Winchester employer: Maxwell Stephens Ltd
Contact Detail:
Maxwell Stephens Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Facilities & Estates in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the facilities and estates sector, especially those who have experience with heritage properties. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your past experiences with managing complex estates and compliance issues. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully balanced heritage preservation with modern requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style and commitment to stewardship align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their purpose.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that might suit your skills, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Facilities & Estates in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Stewardship: When writing your application, let your passion for stewardship and heritage shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission and how you can contribute to the unique estate in Winchester.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in facilities management and compliance. We’re looking for someone who has a strong grasp of UK property regulations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxwell Stephens Ltd
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the estate's history and significance. Understanding the unique aspects of heritage buildings will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to stewardship.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and contractors. Be ready to discuss how you foster a culture of safety and accountability, as this role requires strong team development skills.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on UK landlord and property compliance regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured health and safety standards in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Discuss Sustainability Initiatives
Think about past projects where you've led sustainability efforts or energy efficiency initiatives. Sharing specific examples will show your alignment with the organisation's goals and your ability to balance modern needs with heritage preservation.