Head of Estates

Lift Schools; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools is seeking a visionary Head of Estates to lead the strategic direction of their national estate. This role involves managing a £12 million budget, driving sustainability initiatives, and ensuring excellent educational environments for over 33,000 pupils across 57 schools. The successful candidate will inspire a talented team and build partnerships within the education sector. Comprehensive training and generous benefits are offered, along with a commitment to safeguarding and equality.

Benefits

Comprehensive training

Generous benefits

Lifestyle savings

Qualifications

• Experience in leading estate management and sustainability initiatives.
• Ability to manage a complex estates budget exceeding £12 million.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for national estate and lead a geographically dispersed team.
• Champion sustainability and manage estate growth.
• Build partnerships with school leaders and government departments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Sustainability

Budget Management

Job description

Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: 37

Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF

Looking to shape the future of education through outstanding estate leadership?

We’re on the lookout for a visionary and driven Head of Estates to take the lead in shaping the future of our school environments across the UK.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a rare opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on the learning spaces of over 33,000 pupils across 57 schools and counting. You’ll lead a talented and experienced team, and take full ownership of everything from capital development and compliance to sustainability and estate growth.

This isn’t just about managing buildings, it’s about leading environments where children can access an excellent education.

You’re someone who will:

• Set the strategic direction for our growing, national estate, bringing clarity, vision, and operational excellence.
• Champion sustainability with purpose, leading our ambitious journey towards net zero.
• Lead and inspire a geographically dispersed team, while managing a complex £12 million plus estates budget with precision.
• Build trusted partnerships with school leaders, government departments, and the wider education sector.
• Balance bold thinking with budget realism, ensuring high-impact outcomes in every school.
• Confidently navigate the complexity of complex contracts, government funding streams, and future commercial lettings potential.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

1. We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
2. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
3. We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can’t wait to hear from you.

The role is due to commence July or August 2025.

Closing date: 3 June 2025
Interview dates: TBC

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.