Head of Estates and Capital Strategy

The Forge Brook Trust; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forge Brook Trust seeks an experienced Estates lead to join our Central Services Team, reporting to the Chief Finance Officer. You will be the primary contact for Headteachers and Business Managers on Health, Safety, Critical Incidents and Estates, delivering major capital projects.

We seek a strategic, commercially astute leader to champion estate design, refurbishment, and inclusive learning spaces while managing SCA funding and central procurement.

Qualifications

• Strategic estates leadership experience in multi-site portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of H&S regulations and building safety acts.
• Experience with major capital projects and public sector frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Write and oversee a 3-5 year estates plan based on surveys and priorities.
• Lead Trust-wide Health & Safety compliance and risk management.
• Act as Contract Administrator for high-value capital projects and lead final accounts.
• Lead sustainability networks, decarbonisation and energy efficiency in schools.
• Manage emergency planning and rapid response to critical incidents.
• Line manage estates teams supporting the Trust Estates Manager.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Health & safety compliance

Contract administration

Project management

Education

Building qualification

Related degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Forge Brook Trust are looking for an experienced Estates lead to join our Central Services Team, reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer. You will act as the primary point of contact for our Headteachers and Business Managers on all matters relating to Health, Safety, Critical Incidents and Estates, including the delivery of major capital projects.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to champion innovation in estate design and refurbishment, ensuring our learning spaces are inclusive, accessible, and future-ready. By working collaboratively with education leaders, you will align physical estate improvements with pedagogical needs to enhance pupil engagement. You will manage the Trust's School Condition Allowance (SCA) funding of approximately £860k annually, drive centralised procurement strategies and oversee the performance of site and cleaning services. Additionally, you will take ownership of compliance with emerging and established regulations, including the Building Safety Act ad Martyn's Law,, while managing relationships with our external Health & Safety consultants.

We are looking for a strategic, commercially astute leader who can answer "yes" to the following:

Can you write and oversee a comprehensive 3-5 year strategic estates plan based on condition surveys and RAG-rated priorities?

Do you possess a recognised building qualification, a related degree, or equivalent professional experience across a multi-site portfolio?

Are you equipped to lead Trust-wide Health & Safety compliance, supported by a NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) and extensive knowledge of current legislation?

Can you effectively manage public sector frameworks, act as Contract Administrator for high-value capital projects, and lead on final account negotiations?

Are you prepared to lead our sustainability network, spearheading decarbonisation and energy efficiency programmes across all our schools?

Can you remain calm under pressure to lead emergency planning and coordinate rapid responses to critical incidents?

Are you ready to line manage, support and develop our estates teams in support of our Trust Estates Manager, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability?