Associate Director of Estates & Facilities

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Crawley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional ambulance service in Crawley is seeking an Associate Director of Estates and Facilities to spearhead the strategic leadership and management of estates and facilities across over 100 properties. This role is crucial in shaping the Trust's infrastructure, ensuring compliance and sustainability, while delivering high-quality services. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a relevant degree, and extensive experience in strategic project management. An attractive benefits package is included, alongside the chance to lead a dedicated team through transformative changes.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Professional development and leadership training

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in estates and facilities management leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of strategic project delivery frameworks.
• Experience in managing large teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage estates and facilities operations across multiple sites.
• Shape and deliver the Estates Strategy in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Ensure all estates services comply with legislative requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Sustainability Initiatives

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification in estates and facilities management

Job description

Overview

The Associate Director of Estates and Facilities is responsible for the senior leadership and associated budget management of the Trust's estates and facilities service. The post holder will be responsible for the estate strategy and the operational delivery of estates, engineering, facilities, and property functions.

As a member of the Trust Senior Leadership Team, the post holder will share responsibility for delivering the organisation's strategic goals and objectives as established by the Trust Board, ensuring that estates and facilities services are aligned to the clinical, workforce, and finance strategies of the Trust.

The post holder will act as Professional Lead and advisor for all estates matters and relevant policies, ensuring a culture of co-production with all estates and facilities stakeholders, including operational and operational support workforces.

Key responsibilities

• Trust-wide lead for estates and facilities management across 110 properties throughout Kent, Surrey, and Sussex
• Lead and inspire a dedicated team through a period of exciting change.
• Deliver strategic projects that enhance patient care and operational excellence.
• Champion innovation in estates and facilities management.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SECAmb’s infrastructure and services.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring estates and facilities align with SECAmb’s long-term vision.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, embedding Net Zero principles into every aspect of estates and facilities management.
• Report directly to the Chief Finance Officer, giving you the autonomy to shape and deliver the Estates Strategy.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is seeking an exceptional, improvement-focused Associate Director of Estates and Facilities Management to join our dynamic team at a truly transformative time.

As Associate Director, you will:

• Trust-wide lead for estates and facilities management across 110 properties.
• Lead and inspire a dedicated team through a period of exciting change.
• Deliver strategic projects that enhance patient care and operational excellence.
• Champion innovation in estates and facilities management.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SECAmb’s infrastructure and services.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring estates and facilities align with SECAmb’s long-term vision.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, embedding Net Zero principles.
• Report directly to the Chief Finance Officer, giving you the autonomy to shape and deliver the Estates Strategy.

Why join us?

This is an exciting time to be part of SECAmb. With major developments ahead—including sustainability projects such as fleet electrification and collaboration with South Central Ambulance Service and other blue-light partners.

Our estate comprises over 100 sites of varying size and complexity, managed by a focused team of just eight people and a budget of around £12M.

What we offer

• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Professional development and leadership training
• Flexible working options

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and develop the Trust's Estates and Facilities Strategy, including emphasis on the quality and safety of the estate now and into the future
• Set the strategic direction to develop the management of estate, facilities, and capital investment to deliver the Trust's strategies, maximising the best use of resources available
• Support Trust Executive Directors through working jointly and collaboratively on the development of estates strategy
• Lead and represent the Trust in delivering Estates and Facilities Strategic Transformation schemes and One Public Estate initiatives
• Identify estates-related risks to ensure all relevant risks are identified and actively managed as per the Trust's Risk Management Strategy
• Contribute to formulating and delivering strategic and operational objectives whilst ensuring provision of comprehensive and efficient services
• Plan and monitor delivery of operational requirements for the Trust estate (consistent with available resources) to meet statutory, Care Quality Commission (CQC), and NHS compliance
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements in all areas of estates and facilities management processes

This advert closes on Wednesday 14 Jan 2026