Executive Director of Estates and Risk

Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education trust with an excellent track record for school improvement. The trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primary, across the north of England in fourteen local authority regions. We have almost 3,000 committed and dedicated staff, and our vision and values are actively embodied in all our academies. This commitment creates a tangible, positive impact on the lives of the 20,000 children and young people we serve. Our corporate services function manages the business element of the trust which allows us to share resources, improve IT and estates infrastructure, and invest in school-to-school support, enabling principals to focus on leading teaching and learning in their school.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver a long-term estates strategy for a high performing trust. You will play a pivotal role in creating outstanding learning environments across all our academies to enable the very best outcomes for children.

• Work closely with the chief executive officer and report directly to the chief financial officer to lead the strategic direction for the development, maintenance, security and health and safety of all trust sites.
• Oversee sources of grounds, buildings, facilities and equipment and ensure they operate efficiently and in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Manage all capital works and achieve best value through robust contract development and procurement.

• Hold a relevant professional qualification in estates or facilities management, surveying, or a related technical discipline, with membership of a relevant professional body.
• Proven track record in a senior estates or facilities management role, responsible for a diverse multi-site portfolio.
• Strategic thinker with a clear focus on long-term asset management and estate development planning, with credibility to motivate and inspire stakeholders.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.

For more information, or to arrange an informal discussion about the post, please contact Becky Bishop, executive assistant, by email at b.bishop@northerneducationtrust.org. To apply for this position, please visit: application link. Closing date: 12, noon on Friday 13 February 2026.

• Free flu vaccinations
• Free onsite parking
• High quality continuous professional development
• Occupational sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Employee Assistance Programme

Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: Grade 13, SCP 58 – 60 (£80,981 - £85,783 FTE)
Hours: 37 hours per week, all year round. Some out of hours working may be required.
Base: North Shore Academy, Talbot Street, Stockton on Tees TS20 2AY, with regular travel across trust academies.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.