Head of Estates

Reed; Sunbury-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Christmas closure

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Head of Estates and Operations to oversee day-to-day management of school-site estates and operational functions. You will ensure a safe, well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, and visitors, and lead multiple teams including Estates/Caretaking, Minibus, and Administration.

The role requires significant estates experience, strong leadership, and robust Health & Safety knowledge. You will manage budgets and contracts, drive maintenance programs, and work closely with the

Qualifications

• Significant experience in estates, facilities, and operational management.
• Proven leadership experience with staff motivation and high standards.
• Strong Health and Safety knowledge and qualification (NEBOSH or equivalent).
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and safety/compliance.
• Experience coordinating projects in an operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Estates and Operations function to deliver a professional, responsive service.
• Line manage Estates/Caretaking, Minibus, and Administration teams.
• Provide direction, supervision, and development for team members.
• Set objectives and perform performance management.
• Identify and address staff training needs.
• Support recruitment within teams per school policies.
• Establish effective communication and regular team meetings.
• Promote high standards of presentation, safety, and operations of the school.
• Keep COO informed and escalate safety/compliance concerns.
• Collaborate with COO on estates priorities and implement improvements.
• Provide advice on estates, facilities, Health & Safety, security, and operations.

Skills

Estates management

Facilities management

Leadership

Health & Safety

Project management

Budget management

Contract management

Staff development

Microsoft 365

Communication

Education

NEBOSH National General Certificate

Degree in engineering/facilities

Tools

MS 365

Estates management software

Job description

Hours: 42.5 hours per week

We are seeking a Head of Estates and Operations responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the estates and operational functions for a large school site. This role ensures that the school provides a safe, secure, well-maintained, and effective environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead and manage the Estates and Operations function, ensuring a professional, responsive, and high-quality service.
• Line manage the Estates/Caretaking team, Minibus team, and the Administration team.
• Provide direction, supervision, support, and motivation to team members, ensuring work is completed to the required standard.
• Set clear objectives and expectations and undertake appropriate performance management and development of direct reports.
• Identify training and development needs and ensure staff are appropriately trained and briefed to carry out their responsibilities.
• Support recruitment and selection within the teams, in accordance with the school's policies and procedures.
• Establish effective communication within the Estates and Administration teams, including appropriate regular team meetings.
• Promote high professional standards and a culture in which staff take pride in the presentation, safety, and effective operation of the school.
• Keep the Chief Operating Officer appropriately informed about all areas of responsibility and promptly escalate significant operational, safety, security, or compliance concerns.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer on the development and implementation of the school's estates and operational priorities.
• Provide advice and practical recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer and Head on estates, facilities, Health and Safety, security, and operational matters.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in estates, facilities, and operational management, including experience of managing people and services.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to provide clear direction, motivate staff, and maintain high standards.
• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.
• A relevant Health and Safety qualification, such as NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent.
• Relevant experience or qualification within estates, facilities, building, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience of planned preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Experience of managing contractors, service providers, and estates-related contracts.
• Experience of managing projects and coordinating works within an operational environment.
• Experience of managing and monitoring a departmental budget.
• Good working knowledge of statutory compliance requirements relating to buildings, facilities, and Health and Safety.
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using Microsoft 365 and relevant estates, security, or compliance systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits include: 30 days holiday plus Christmas closure

To apply for the Head of Estates and Operations position, please submit your CV