At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and management of a national telecoms estates portfolio.
- Company: Join a leading telecoms company focused on network expansion and service continuity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence over policy and industry standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's mobile network and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in estates or property management, preferably in telecoms or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Permanent - Reading (2 - 3 days/week in office)
Protect coverage. Enable deployment. Maximise value from a national telecoms estates portfolio. The Head of Estates is a senior leadership role within the Infrastructure & Estates directorate, accountable for the acquisition, retention, and in-life management of a large-scale mobile telecoms estates portfolio. Reporting directly to the Infrastructure & Estates Director and sitting on the extended leadership team, this role is critical to ensuring safety, service continuity, deployment capability, and cost efficiency across the network.
You’ll lead the development and execution of strategies that secure the right sites, in the right locations, at the right commercial terms—maximising site availability, accessibility, and long-term value.
Why this role matters:
The estates portfolio underpins the availability, resilience, and expansion of the UK’s mobile network. With increasing volumes of notices to quit and growing legislative complexity, this role ensures critical sites are retained, service disruption is minimised, and future coverage and capacity can be delivered cost effectively.
Through strong leadership, clear governance, and effective use of legislation and supplier partnerships, you’ll protect customer experience today while enabling the network of tomorrow.
What you’ll be here to do:
- You’ll lead and own estates strategy and delivery across the full portfolio lifecycle, working closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and regulators.
- Own the strategy, execution, and assurance of estates portfolio management across acquisition, retention, renewal, variation, and exit.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory, safety, and quality requirements.
- Apply relevant legislation and legal precedents to retain, replace, and expand the estates portfolio where needed.
- Lead responses to notices to quit, notices to terminate, and relocation (lift and shift) activity to minimise service loss.
- Establish and continuously improve estates management standards, processes, controls, and governance.
- Proactively manage estates-related risks, issues, and interdependencies, driving corrective action where required.
- Hold suppliers and partners to account for delivery, performance, and value.
- Own estates-related CAPEX and OPEX planning, control, and cost optimisation.
- Work with senior leaders to influence policy, legislation, and industry behaviour where change is required.
Who we’re looking for:
You’re a senior estates or property leader with deep expertise in managing operational, infrastructure-based property portfolios (as distinct from corporate or facilities management). You’re comfortable operating in complex, highly regulated environments and bring strong commercial judgement, political awareness, and a track record of leading large, high-performing teams.
We welcome candidates from telecoms as well as adjacent infrastructure sectors such as utilities, transport, or rail.
You’ll have:
- Expert knowledge of best-in-class estates or property management practices.
- Significant experience leading a large-scale estates or property function.
- Strong experience managing suppliers and complex commercial relationships.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, regulators, and policy makers.
- Experience balancing customer, commercial, and technical requirements.
- Strong leadership capability with a focus on culture, performance, and talent development.
If you also have the following, we’re especially interested in talking to you:
- Knowledge of the Electronic Communications Code, Town and Country Planning, and relevant legal precedents in estates and property management.
- Infrastructure or asset management experience.
Head of Estates - Telecoms Property in York employer: Project People
As a leading player in the telecoms sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Reading office offers flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to the critical infrastructure that supports the UK's mobile network. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates - Telecoms Property in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the telecoms and property sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro. Research the company’s estates strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage complex portfolios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in compliance and legislation. Since this role involves navigating regulatory environments, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of relevant laws and how you’ve successfully managed compliance in previous roles. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can lead our estates strategy. Make sure your application highlights your experience in managing large-scale portfolios and your ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates - Telecoms Property in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Estates role. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale telecoms estates and any relevant legislation knowledge. 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 the perfect fit for this senior leadership role. Share specific examples of your achievements in estates management and how you’ve influenced policy or improved processes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead high-performing teams. In your application, mention your leadership style and any successful projects where you’ve driven performance and culture. Let us know how you inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Project People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of estates management, especially in telecoms. Understand the Electronic Communications Code and relevant legislation, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you've navigated complex regulatory environments in the past will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through challenges, particularly in managing large-scale property portfolios. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive performance within your team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've maximised value from estates in previous roles. Think about specific strategies you've implemented for cost optimisation and supplier management. They’ll be looking for someone who can balance customer needs with commercial objectives.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current challenges in estates management and how they envision the future of their telecoms portfolio. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
