Head of Estates

HR Wallingford; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Wallingford seeks a Head of Estates to lead its business park management. This pivotal role involves developing long-term strategies, managing partnerships, ensuring operational excellence, and driving sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience in estates management, strong knowledge of UK planning regulations, and a passion for sustainable development. Flexible working arrangements are supported, with part-time opportunities available.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in estates or property management, ideally in commercial environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning regulations and facilities operations.
• Experience managing large budgets and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing long-term estates strategy.
• Managing strategic partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Advancing sustainability initiatives across the estate.

Skills

Strategic vision

Operational rigor

Sustainable development passion

Partnership management

Negotiation skills

Job description

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

HR Wallingford owns and operates Howbery Park business park (www.howberypark.com), a 70 acre site set in mature landscaped grounds near the River Thames. The Park is located between Oxford and Reading and has excellent links to the M4, M40 and London.

The business park has approximately 300,000 square feet of space (including HR Wallingford’s own-use offices and facilities). There are about 60 tenants and the buildings include a listed manor house & stables plus conference/meeting facilities. The Park has developed on a sustainability theme for many years including drawing energy from an on-site solar array.

We are keen to position the Park to attract world-leading facilities and new investments, further developing a principal centre in water-related science, engineering and technology.

HR Wallingford's international business trades through overseas companies and offices in Australia (Perth), the USA (Houston), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi) and India (Mumbai). HR Wallingford Ltd also operates a branch office with technical and sales staff based in Italy.

About the Role

We are seeking a forward‑thinking and commercially minded Head of Estates to lead the strategic and operational management of our wholly owned business park, Howbery Park, and oversee estates activity across our global footprint.

This is a new and pivotal leadership role, responsible for delivering our long‑term estates strategy, driving development opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence across facilities, compliance, and sustainability. You will work closely with senior leaders, external partners, and suppliers to realise the full commercial and community potential of the estate.

Based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, you will lead an in‑house team and collaborate across departments to deliver high‑quality services and future‑focused estate development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the long‑term estates strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Leading master planning and feasibility studies for future developments.
• Managing strategic partnerships with developers, local authorities, and commercial stakeholders.
• Overseeing supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance management.
• Giving direction to compliance with health & safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.
• Advancing sustainability initiatives across the estate portfolio.
• Overseeing budgets, capital expenditure, and service charge recovery.
• Delivering high‑quality Park services and amenities, including the HR Wallingford‑run café.
• Providing policy and guidance to international sites.

About You

We value diverse perspectives and welcome candidates who bring curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

You will be an experienced estates professional who brings strategic vision, operational rigour, and a passion for sustainable development.

You will demonstrate:

• Senior‑level experience in estates or property management, ideally within commercial or mixed‑use environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning regulations, development processes, and facilities operations.
• Proven ability to build and manage strategic partnerships and supplier relationships.
• Financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets and capital projects.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable attributes include:

• Experience in ESG and sustainability‑led estates initiatives.
• Familiarity with smart building technologies and digital estate management tools.

Further information

This role requires a good commutable distance to our offices in Wallingford, Oxfordshire as it requires regular presence at the Park. We support flexible working arrangements to help you balance professional and personal commitments. Applicants seeking part‑time working will be considered.

Deadline for applications is 5th January 2026.

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [e-mail].

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with a covering letter.

Our privacy notice for job applicants is available on our website and explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide when you apply for a job with us.

HR Wallingford is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.