At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of estates and facilities across our care home portfolio.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to high-quality care environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5 years in senior facilities management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Head of Estates to support the Director of Estates in delivering safe, compliant and high‑quality environments across our care home portfolio. This senior operational leadership role has responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of estates and facilities services, ensuring our homes are well maintained, fit for purpose and fully compliant with all regulatory and statutory requirements.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the operational delivery of estates and facilities services across a multi‑site care home portfolio
- Managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets (circa £8m per annum), ensuring strong financial control and value for money
- Overseeing reactive and planned maintenance works, delivered in line with agreed SLAs
- Driving compliance with all statutory, regulatory and British Standard requirements (including CQC)
- Managing and developing high‑performing teams, directly line‑managing the Projects Manager, Compliance Manager and Customer Assurance Team
- Delivering estates, compliance and fire safety reporting, holding contractors and suppliers to account
- Leading estates‑related projects, working within CDM regulations, Building Regulations and planning conditions
- Using data, CAFM systems and trend analysis to identify risks, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
- Contributing to departmental strategy, annual reviews and long‑term estates planning
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external contractors
About You
- 5 years’ experience in a senior facilities or estates management role (multi‑site or client‑facing)
- Proven experience managing budgets, KPIs and regulatory compliance
- Strong people leadership and coaching capability
- Excellent knowledge of UK statutory compliance and PPM frameworks
- Experience delivering projects and programmes of work
- Confidence using CAFM systems, data analysis and performance reporting
- Commercial awareness with a continuous improvement mindset
Qualifications
- IWFM membership (Level 4 or above)
- NEBOSH or IOSH Managing Safely
- SMSTS or IPM qualification
This role is based out of the Support Centre in Harrogate. A typical week may consist of 2 days out reviewing homes/visiting ongoing projects, 2 days in the office and time working from home.
Benefits
- Salary: £60,000 per annum
- Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
- Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
- Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference’ award and Long Service Awards
- Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through a helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round
- Company‑supported pension scheme to invest in your future
- Fully funded DBS check
We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Head of Estates in Harrogate employer: Orchard Care Homes
As a leading employer in the care sector, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Head of Estates, with a strong focus on employee development and well-being. Our Harrogate-based Support Centre provides a collaborative culture, competitive salary, and numerous benefits including career progression opportunities, extensive colleague discounts, and a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Harrogate
✨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 that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects, budget management, and compliance achievements. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Head of Estates role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you'll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back for new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your senior facilities or estates management experience, especially in multi-site environments, to show us you’re the right fit for the Head of Estates role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your people leadership capabilities shine through! Include examples of how you've managed and developed high-performing teams in your previous roles. This will help us understand your coaching style and how you can lead our teams effectively.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen:Since managing OPEX and CAPEX budgets is a key part of this role, make sure to include any relevant experience you have with budget management. Show us how you've ensured financial control and value for money in past positions.
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 during the process. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Care Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK statutory compliance and PPM frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations that apply to care homes, as well as any recent changes in legislation. This will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date with industry standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve developed high-performing teams or handled challenging situations. Be ready to discuss your coaching style and how you motivate others to achieve their best.
✨Budget Savvy
Since you'll be managing significant OPEX and CAPEX budgets, come prepared with examples of how you've effectively controlled costs and delivered value for money in previous roles. Highlight any specific strategies you've implemented to improve financial performance.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external contractors. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your communication skills and how you've successfully collaborated with various parties to achieve common goals.
