Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy in England

Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy

We are recruiting for a Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy to provide strategic leadership for the development, optimisation and transformation of the Trust's estate, ensuring that estate infrastructure, property assets and capital investment programmes support the current and future operational needs of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for leading the Trust's Capital Programme, Property Portfolio Management, Strategic Estate Planning and Estate Development functions.

This includes the delivery of capital projects, property acquisitions and disposals, estate rationalisation initiatives, major infrastructure investment and estate modernisation programmes.

The role is accountable for the development and delivery of the Estates Strategy, Capital Investment Plans, Property Strategy and Estate Optimisation Programmes, ensuring compliance with NHS requirements, supporting organisational transformation and delivering value for money across the estate portfolio.

About us

• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years' service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.

Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.

• Job responsibilities
• Job Purpose

The Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy is a senior leadership role within the Estates and Facilities Directorate, responsible for developing and delivering the Trust's Estates Strategy, Capital Programme and Property Portfolio Strategy.

The post holder will provide strategic leadership and professional expertise to ensure the Trust's estate is safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and operational services.

The role will lead the planning, development, procurement and delivery of capital projects, estate modernisation programmes and property transactions across the Trust's portfolio.

The post holder will ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance, governance arrangements and financial controls, whilst achieving value for money and supporting organisational objectives.

• Strategic Leadership Job description
• Job responsibilities
• Job Purpose

The Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy is a senior leadership role within the Estates and Facilities Directorate, responsible for developing and delivering the Trust's Estates Strategy, Capital Programme and Property Portfolio Strategy.

The post holder will provide strategic leadership and professional expertise to ensure the Trust's estate is safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and operational services.

The role will lead the planning, development, procurement and delivery of capital projects, estate modernisation programmes and property transactions across the Trust's portfolio.

The post holder will ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance, governance arrangements and financial controls, whilst achieving value for money and supporting organisational objectives.

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead the development, implementation and periodic review of the Trust's Estates Strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, clinical strategies, operational requirements and national NHS priorities.
• Provide professional leadership and expert advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and stakeholders on all aspects of estate planning, capital investment and property management.
• Develop long-term estate investment plans to maintain, improve and modernise the Trust's estate portfolio.
• Support organisational transformation programmes through the provision of innovative estate solutions and effective use of property assets.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, efficiency savings, income generation and estate rationalisation.
• Represent the Trust at regional and national forums relating to estates, property, sustainability and capital investment.
• Capital Programme and Project Management
• Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's capital programme, ensuring investments support organisational priorities and provide measurable benefits.
• Manage a portfolio of complex capital, infrastructure and estate improvement projects from inception through to completion.
• Establish effective project governance arrangements, ensuring appropriate oversight, reporting and assurance mechanisms are in place.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timescales, budgets, quality standards and performance objectives.
• Develop business cases, financial appraisals and investment proposals for submission through Trust governance processes.
• Monitor programme performance, project risks, issues and dependencies, implementing mitigation plans where required.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future projects and programmes.
• Commission and manage external consultants, contractors and professional advisors as required.
• Property and Asset Management
• Lead the strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio, ensuring assets are utilised effectively and deliver maximum value.
• Oversee property acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences and tenancy arrangements.
• Provide advice on estate utilisation, space planning and asset optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure accurate estate records, property data and asset information are maintained.
• Lead negotiations with landlords, developers, local authorities and external partners on property-related matters.
• Identify opportunities to release value from surplus or underutilised assets.
• Support the development of collaborative estate initiatives with NHS partners, Integrated Care Systems and other public sector organisations.
• Governance and Compliance
• Ensure all estate projects and property activities comply with relevant legislation, statutory requirements, NHS guidance and professional standards.
• Maintain robust governance frameworks for capital and property programmes.
• Provide assurance regarding compliance with health and safety legislation, construction regulations and estates-related statutory obligations.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and public procurement requirements.
• Monitor and manage project and programme risks, escalating significant issues through appropriate governance routes.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Executive Management Board, committees and other governance groups.
• Support internal and external audits relating to estates, projects and property functions.
• Financial Management
• Manage significant capital and revenue budgets associated with estate projects and property activities.
• Develop robust financial plans and investment proposals to support strategic estate objectives.
• Ensure effective budgetary control and forecasting arrangements are maintained.
• Monitor project expenditure and benefits realisation to ensure value for money.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities where available.
• Contribute to annual business planning, capital planning and financial strategy processes.
• Ensure all projects are supported by appropriate financial appraisal and option analysis.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a key liaison point between operational services, clinical teams, senior managers and external partners.
• Lead engagement activities relating to major estate developments and transformation programmes.
• Work closely with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, ambulance service partners and local authorities to support strategic estate initiatives.
• Present complex information to a wide range of audiences and facilitate informed decision-making.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve issues that may impact project delivery.
• Sustainability and Innovation
• Lead the integration of sustainability principles into estate planning and project delivery.
• Support delivery of the Trust's Green Plan and Net Zero ambitions.
• Promote energy efficiency, carbon reduction and environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to utilise innovative technologies and modern construction methods.
• Ensure projects consider whole-life costs, environmental impacts and social value objectives.
• Leadership and People Management
• Provide visible and effective leadership across the Projects, Property and Estates Strategy function.
• Lead, manage and develop direct reports, creating a high-performing and customer-focused team.
• Establish clear objectives and performance measures for staff.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning and professional development activities.
• Promote a positive culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with all Trust policies, procedures and people management responsibilities.
• Risk Management
• Lead the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with the capital programme, estate strategy and property portfolio.
• Maintain risk registers and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Provide assurance to senior leadership regarding estate-related risks and opportunities.
• Support business continuity and resilience planning through effective estate management.
• Ensure emerging risks are identified early and managed proactively.
• General Responsibilities
• Act at all times in accordance with the Trust's values, policies and procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery and team management.
• Maintain professional knowledge and competency through continuing professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority and scope of the post.
• Demonstrate leadership behaviours expected of a senior manager within the Trust.
• Contribute to the achievement of organisational objectives and continuous improvement across Estates and Facilities services.
• Key Accountabilities
• Delivery of the Trust's Estates Strategy and associated implementation plans.
• Delivery of the capital programme within approved budgets and timescales.
• Strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio.
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Achievement of agreed financial, operational and performance objectives.
• Development of strong stakeholder relationships and effective governance arrangements.
• Delivery of measurable improvements in estate performance, efficiency, sustainability and service resilience.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Estate Management, Building Surveying, Property Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate
• Professional Membership (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng or equivalent). PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
• Master's Degree, MBA, Ch PP, NEC Contract Management Qualification
• Professional Membership (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng or equivalent). PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
• Knowledge
• Strategic Estate Planning, NHS Capital Investment Processes, Business Case Development, Property Law, Lease Management, Capital Programme Governance, Financial Planning, Procurement, Contract Management and Risk Management.

Experience

• Significant senior management experience in Estates, Property or Capital Projects.

Leading major capital programmes.

Property portfolio management.

Strategic estate planning.

Budget management.

Business case development.

Managing consultants and contractors.

Board level stakeholder engagement.

Skills

• Strategic leadership, programme management, financial management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, business case writing, presentation skills, project governance, risk management and problem solving.
• Advanced property or programme management expertise. Commercial negotiation and investment appraisal skills.
• Personal Qualities
• Strategic thinker, outcome focused, resilient, innovative, collaborative, professional, customer focused, politically aware and able to influence at senior levels.
• Experience leading major organisational change.
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

• Associate Director of Estates and Facilities