At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to modernise and transform Scotland's prison estate.
- Company: Scottish Prison Service, committed to rehabilitation and safety.
- Benefits: Attractive pension, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant budget responsibility and strategic challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of prison facilities and support rehabilitation.
- Qualifications: Experience in estate management and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 89490 - 97160 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Scottish Prison Service as we recruit for a Head of Estates to lead our Estates Team. As Head of Estates, this post leads a large, multidisciplinary function of circa 300 colleagues across all prison establishments across Scotland and headquarters functions. Your team includes engineers, architects, surveyors, property professionals and essential FM trades—electricians, plumbers and joiners—working collaboratively to maintain, modernise and transform the prison estate in Scotland.
What makes this role unique?
- Scale and complexity: From modern facilities like the new prisons being built in Inverness and Glasgow, the new women’s prison at HMP Stirling to historic and listed sites such as HMP Dumfries, you will oversee a varied and technically demanding estate.
- Breadth of delivery: A dynamic programme spanning everything from lifecycle maintenance to major capital projects including new prisons and accommodation blocks.
- Purpose-driven leadership: You’ll work across all functions of the SPS and with external partners to deliver priority outcomes—tackling overcrowding, mitigating emerging risks like security and drone incursions, and creating positive environments that keep those in our care safer from harm and support rehabilitation.
Looking ahead – your strategic challenges:
- Leading the estate contribution to the delivery of two new prisons currently under construction and advice on further estate development and build.
- Delivering infrastructure to support changing population and complex custody needs.
- Future-proofing workforce and skills planning to support an increasingly technical and digitally enabled estate.
- Demonstrating value for money through smarter asset management, improved standards and specifications, stronger supply chain strategies, and robust programme and project delivery.
You will be directly responsible for a combined revenue and capital budget of around £60m, and involvement in two major Scottish Infrastructure programmes - HMP Highland £209m due for completion in the Spring and HMP Glasgow £998m due for completion later in 2028 - which you will ensure is spent in accordance with public finances requirement for best value.
Driving the net zero agenda (2045) through a fabric-first approach—balancing sustainability ambitions with operational pressures and constrained budgets. Embedding data-led estate management, including digital records, performance benchmarking and long-term planning.
Above all, you will ensure the SPS estate provides safe, secure and fit-for-purpose environments that support rehabilitation for all those in our care, our staff, and visitors.
Some of the benefits you can enjoy in role are:
- Attractive Pension (Civil Service)
- Commitment to your personal and professional development
- Annual Leave - 37 days rising to 42 days
- Free car parking
- Discounts at high street stores, supermarkets and restaurants through our partners at Blue Light Card, Edenred and Civil Service Sports Council.
- Sick Pay
Closing date: 12 August 2026.
Head of Estates in Falkirk employer: Scottish Prison Services
The Scottish Prison Service is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a diverse Estates Team in Edinburgh, where you will play a pivotal role in transforming and modernising the prison estate across Scotland. With a strong commitment to personal and professional development, generous annual leave, and an attractive pension scheme, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises safety, rehabilitation, and sustainability. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying perks like discounts at various retailers and free car parking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Falkirk
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Scottish Prison Services, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Estates at Scottish Prison Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates in Falkirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Services
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
