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Head of Estates - Worthing and Southlands Hospitals
Band 8b
Main area Estates Grade Band 8b Contract Permanent: Monday - Friday Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Plus on call) Job ref 279-8231731-OCT26
Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing Town Worthing Salary £66,582 - £77,368 Per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 22/10/2026 23:59
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
Working closely with the Associate Director and Chief Engineer in relation to management of the Trust’s Estates services across all Trust sites, the postholder will be responsible for all aspects of Estates on the Hospital site, including (but not limited to): Building and Engineering services and all Estates maintenance, Statutory and mandatory requirements and Engineering development and Estates lead projects.
This role is eligible for visa spon sorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however spon sorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will manage the day-to-day operations of Trust Estates and develop these services in accordance with corporate policies and strategies, emphasising the cultural changes and innovations essential to modernising health care. Maintaining a culture that engages and involves staff in decisions on how services are delivered and the provision and promotion of patient-centred, excellent customer services in a professional and caring manner at all times. A key focus will be on infection control and protecting patients against hospital acquired infection; this will be achieved through effective management of resources, implementation of comprehensive systems, governance procedures and sound financial management.
The postholder will lead on key strategic and operational matters; change management programmes and key projects for the Trust, ensuring that the Division achieves its objectives and will be actively involved in developing all aspects of the Facilities & Estates elements of the NHS Plan including national requirements, i.e. statutory regulations, PLACE, decontamination; and be instrumental in developing on overall Trust-wide approach.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication and Relationship
- Establish and develop effective communications with all stakeholders, both internal and external
- Ensuring verbal and written complaints are dealt with effectively and that any remedial action is undertaken
- Developing sound stakeholder relationships, through the attendance of ward committee meetings, chairing user group meetings and by prompt and positive responses to all stakeholder issues raised
- Able to communicate and feed-back on multi-stranded or complex projects at Board level and with senior managers as required
- Able to provide and receive highly complex, technical or sensitive information from stakeholders and utilise it as required
- Exchanges maintenance, technical project-related information with specialists, non-specialists, including senior managers, directors
- Able to negotiate with stakeholders, suppliers and contractors
- Providing expert advice, ensuring that the management can face scrutiny or any challenges by internal/external auditors in terms of Health and Safety, Standards of Service, Compliance with National Standards and other NHS documents relating to the Management of NHS facilities
Knowledge, Training and Experience
- Professional knowledge acquired through degree or equivalent plus specialist knowledge acquired through post graduate courses and experience to master's level
- Attain a building system ‘competent’ or ‘authorised’ person qualification and act as the Trust senior representative and lead in that building system (building system will be determined according to the needs of the Trust)
- To act as Trust wide subject matter lead in one or more areas e.g., ventilation or Medical Gases, following appropriate training.
Please see job description and person specs for full details.
Person specification
Experience
- Proven track record as a leader and professional role model
- Ability to collaborate effectively and maintain successful partnership
Knowledge
- Knowledge of Estates operations in a large organisation including reactive and planned maintenance
- Ensure local probity and governance, including adherence to Trust and NHS protocols and policies and legislation
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS
- Good understanding of NHS policy and reforms
Skills
- Good verbal, written, presentation, report writing and negotiation skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction
- Skills in financial management and budgetary control
- Able to make judgements across a wide range of Estates and Facilities issues, taking into account conflicting demands, H&S issues, legislation, professional and technical expert advice
- Skilled in the use of bespoke Trust software and systems
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.
Bank Workers: Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this post to prevent you from missing out on applying for this opportunity.
Name David Wise Job title Associate Director of Estates Email address david.wise1@nhs.net Telephone number 07342 083847 Additional information
Monday till Friday between 09:00 and 15:00
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Head of Estates - Worthing and Southlands Hospitals employer: University Hospitals Sussex
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises staff development and collaboration. As an Antenatal Clinic Team Leader in Brighton, you will benefit from a dynamic environment where your leadership skills can flourish while making a meaningful impact on the lives of women and families. With a commitment to quality improvement and evidence-based care, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a renowned healthcare institution.
Contact Details:
University Hospitals Sussex Recruitment Team
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