At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational management of the College's estates and sustainability projects.
- Company: Prestigious college focused on innovation and environmental responsibility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and environmental stewardship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our built environment while driving sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or related field with project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head of Estates provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the College's built environment. This includes:
- Delivering the capital development programme (including the £30m Library+ project).
- Overseeing an annual refurbishment and maintenance programme of c. £5m.
- Leading the College's sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.
- Managing and developing the in-house maintenance team.
- Responsibility for utility contracts, meter readings and contract administration.
- Acting as the College's professional client representative, ensuring all projects meet safety, quality, and value-for-money standards.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategy Leadership
- Develop and implement a 10-year Estates Strategy aligned with the College's Masterplan and Carbon Reduction Plan.
- Provide professional advice to the Director of College Services, Bursar, Estates Committee and Finance Committee on capital planning and maintenance priorities.
- Lead the Estates contribution to the College's environmental and net-zero commitments.
- Act as Client Representative for the Library+ Project, ensuring coordination between architects, consultants and College stakeholders.
- Oversee all major works including hostel refurbishments, kitchens and infrastructure upgrades.
- Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and planning/listed building consents.
- Maintenance Management
- Line-manage the Deputy Maintenance Manager and oversee the maintenance team.
- Ensure effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) across the estate.
- Manage reactive works and emergency response.
- Maintain accurate asset registers, drawings, and statutory records.
- Prepare and manage Estates budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
- Prepare and manage tender documentation and JCT contracts for refurbishment and capital projects, ensuring compliance with College procurement policy and statutory requirements.
- Report regularly to the Director of College Services, the Bursar and Committees on expenditure and programme delivery.
- Act as client for our commercial property portfolio in Cambridge, managed by our external property managers.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Degree or professional qualification in Building Surveying, Construction, or related discipline (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE, or IWFM membership).
- Proven track record managing major capital projects (£5m+), experience in heritage and listed building environments.
- Strong understanding of M&E systems, sustainability, and decarbonisation (Passivhaus / BREEAM / WELL accreditation awareness).
- Experience leading maintenance teams in a complex estate.
- Excellent budget management and procurement skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management.
- Desired Skills and Experience
- Capital Projects
- Estates Management
- Maintenance
Head of Estates in Cambridge employer: Morgan Hunt
As the Head of Estates at our esteemed College, you will join a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and leadership in managing significant capital projects, all while contributing to our ambitious net-zero goals. Located in a historic and intellectually stimulating environment, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with alumni from your college. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their sustainability goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in estates management and capital projects makes you the perfect fit for the Head of Estates role. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Estates role. Highlight your experience with capital projects, sustainability, and team management. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about estates management and how you can contribute to our College's goals. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage large projects and lead teams. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Hunt
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the capital development programme, especially the £30m Library+ project. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences managing similar projects and how you ensured they met safety, quality, and value-for-money standards.
✨Showcase Your Sustainability Knowledge
Since sustainability and decarbonisation are key aspects of this role, brush up on relevant frameworks like Passivhaus, BREEAM, or WELL. Prepare examples of how you've implemented sustainable practices in past projects and how you can contribute to the College's environmental commitments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Estates, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully managed maintenance teams or led major works. Highlight your communication style and how you engage with stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery.
✨Budget Management is Key
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and procurement. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to prepare and manage budgets accurately, as well as how you’ve handled cost control in previous roles.
