Director of Estate

Oundle School; Oundle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Director of Estate to lead the delivery of high-quality estate services. The role involves strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience in complex environments and a strong grasp of housing legislation. A focus on safeguarding and sustainability is essential. This is a key position in enhancing the school's physical environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in complex, regulated environments such as education or healthcare.
• Extensive knowledge of CDM regulations and heritage asset management.
• Experience managing listed buildings and delivering capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term estate strategy aligned with the School's vision.
• Ensure effective delivery of planned and reactive maintenance across all buildings.
• Manage estate budgets and capital expenditure with the Director of Finance.

Skills

Leadership in regulated environments

Strong knowledge of housing legislation

Ability to manage large teams

Proficiency in digital estate tools

Excellent communication skills

Education

Chartered status (MRICS, MCIOB, CIBSE, CIH)

Management qualification (DMS)

NEBOSH certification

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Oundle School is seeking a dynamic and customer-focused Director of Estate to lead the delivery of high-quality estate services across our Schools. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that our buildings, grounds, and facilities consistently meet the needs of pupils, staff and visitors, and reflect the high standard of our schools throughout the year. The Director of Estate plays a pivotal strategic role in shaping and maintaining the School's physical environment across both Oundle and Laxton Junior School. Reporting to the Bursar, this position ensures the estate is safe, compliant, and aligned with the School's educational ambitions. This is a leadership role overseeing a diverse estate that includes Grade I listed buildings, modern facilities, boarding houses, staff accommodation, and extensive sports grounds.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a long-term estate strategy that supports the School's vision
  • Lead capital projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality, compliance, and stakeholder engagement
  • Maintain a rolling maintenance and refurbishment programme to preserve and enhance estate assets
• Operational Oversight
  • Ensure effective delivery of planned and reactive maintenance across all buildings and grounds
  • Manage digital asset registers and condition surveys to inform investment decisions
  • Coordinate internal teams and external contractors to deliver high standards of service
• Team & Culture
  • Build strong relationships across departments and with external partners
  • Provide clear leadership to estates teams, fostering collaboration and accountability
  • Promote a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement
• Financial & Compliance Management
  • Oversee estate budgets and capital expenditure in partnership with the Director of Finance
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety, housing legislation, and safeguarding standards
  • Maintain robust systems for supplier vetting, inspections, and statutory reporting
  • Chartered status (e.g. MRICS, MCIOB, CIBSE, CIH) may be desirable
  • Proven leadership in complex, regulated environments (education, healthcare, defence)
  • Strong knowledge of housing legislation, CDM regulations, and heritage asset management
  • Experience managing listed buildings and heritage assets whilst delivering new capital projects
  • Able to lead and manage a large team
  • Proficiency in digital estate tools and project management software
  • A management qualification (e.g. DMS), NEBOSH certification, and a valid UK driving licence are desirable

Personal Qualities

• Highly collaborative and adaptable, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinker with strong planning and organisational abilities
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, and sustainability

About the School

Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent. A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.