Head of Estates

Morgan Hunt UK Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Estates Manager in Cambridge to deliver capital projects, manage maintenance, and drive sustainability initiatives. You will oversee multi-million-pound projects and lead a maintenance team, ensuring compliance with regulations and financial management. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant discipline, a proven track record in managing large-scale projects, and strong leadership skills. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and sustainability in facilities management.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in Building Surveying, Construction, or related discipline with relevant membership.
• Proven experience managing major capital projects (£5m+) and working in heritage environments.
• Strong knowledge of M&E systems, sustainability, and decarbonisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a 10-year Estates Strategy for the College.
• Oversee major works including hostel refurbishments and infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage and report on Estates budgets and procurement compliance.

Skills

Budget management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Degree in Building Surveying, Construction, or related discipline

Job description

The Purpose of the Job

• Delivering the capital development programme (including the £30m Library+ project).
• Overseeing an annual refurbishment and maintenance programme of c. £5m.
• Leading the College's sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.
• Managing and developing the in‑house maintenance team.
• Responsibility for utility contracts, meter readings and contract administration (note the negotiations for utilities are done centrally for the collegiate university).
• Acting as the College's professional client representative, ensuring all projects meet safety, quality, and value‑for‑money standards.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a 10‑year Estates Strategy aligned with the College's Masterplan and Carbon Reduction Plan.
• Provide professional advice to the Director of College Services, Bursar, Estates Committee and Finance Committee on capital planning and maintenance priorities.
• Lead the Estates contribution to the College's environmental and net‑zero commitments.
• Act as Client Representative for the Library+ Project, ensuring coordination between architects, consultants and College stakeholders.
• Oversee all major works including hostel refurbishments, kitchens and infrastructure upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and planning/listed building consents.

Maintenance Management

• Line‑manage the Deputy Maintenance Manager and oversee the maintenance team.
• Ensure effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) across the estate.
• Manage reactive works and emergency response.
• Maintain accurate asset registers, drawings, and statutory records.
• Prepare and manage Estates budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
• Prepare and manage tender documentation and JCT contracts for refurbishment and capital projects, ensuring compliance with College procurement policy and statutory requirements.
• Report regularly to the Director of College Services, the Bursar and Committees on expenditure and programme delivery.
• Act as client for our commercial property portfolio in Cambridge, managed by our external property managers.

Person Specification Essential

• Degree or professional qualification in Building Surveying, Construction, or related discipline (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE, or IWFM membership).
• Proven track record managing major capital projects (£5m+), experience in heritage and listed building environments.
• Strong understanding of M&E systems, sustainability, and decarbonisation (Passivhaus / BREEAM / WELL accreditation awareness).
• Experience leading maintenance teams in a complex estate.
• Excellent budget management and procurement skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management.

Morgan Hunt is a multi‑award‑winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.