DIRECTOR OF ESTATES
Job Role: Director of Estates
Location: Newham Community Learning Trust Central Office, Pretoria Rd, London E16 4NP (Eastlea Community School)
Closing Date: 14th October 2026
***We are seeking to appoint a experienced Director of Estates to provide strategic leadership across all aspects of estates, facilities, compliance and well maintained environment for our staff and pupil***
Newham Community Learning is a Multi‑Academy Trust serving children and young people in the London Borough of Newham. We believe every young person deserves to learn in a safe, well‑run and inspiring environment, and our buildings play a central part in that.
We are looking for a Director of Estates to lead the strategy, safety and performance of the Trust's estate. You will report to [the Chief Executive and sit on the Central leadership team. You will be the Trust's expert voice on premises, and you will be trusted to make things happen.
The Role
- Set and deliver a long‑term estates strategy, backed by accurate condition data and a realistic investment plan.
- Take overall accountability for statutory compliance, health and safety, and premises risk across all our sites.
- Lead capital projects and funding bids, from business case through to completion.
- Oversee estates and facilities contracts and procurement, and secure value for money.
- Lead, develop and hold to account the estates team, including the Estates Contracts Leads.
- Report clearly to senior leaders, the Board and its committees.
About You
You will be an experienced estates or facilities leader with a strong record of managing compliance, contractors and capital works, ideally in education or the wider public sector. You will have sound financial and commercial judgement, and you will be confident challenging suppliers and advising senior leaders. You will care about the communities we serve, and you will lead with integrity, fairness and clarity.
Why Join Us?
- A senior leadership role with real influence on the Trust's future.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- A supportive, values‑led culture in the heart of London.
- 27 days annual leave per annum (three of which must be taken during the Christmas closure).
Safeguarding and Equality
Newham Community Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a children's barred list check where applicable, and other pre‑employment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and relevant legislation.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Estates
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Newham Community Learning.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Newham Community Learning? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Newham Community Learning's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Director of Estates role at Newham Community Learning, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newham Community Learning
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Newham Community Learning operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Newham Community Learning. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Newham Community Learning.
