Head of Estates and Facilities Management

Waltham Forest; New Addington; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

career average pension scheme

employee assistance programme

enhanced sick pay

NUS Employee discount

Vodafone Advantage

free onsite parking

cycle to work scheme

Sodexo benefits scheme

Benenden Health care scheme

Job summary

Waltham Forest College seeks an experienced operational leader to oversee Estates, Health & Safety, and Security functions. The role translates strategic direction into effective operational plans, budgets, performance measures, and service standards to create a safe, compliant, and well-maintained environment that supports teaching and learning.

You will lead multiple teams, manage contracts, and support capital projects while deputising for the Director when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Estates, Health & Safety, and Security teams.
• Deliver operational plans, budgets, service standards, and performance targets.
• Oversee maintenance, compliance, security operations, and contractor performance.
• Ensure statutory compliance, risk management, and health & safety excellence.
• Manage estates and facilities contracts and budgets.
• Support capital projects, estate improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational and security matters.
• Provide assurance and performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Promote continuous improvement and a customer-focused service culture.

Job description

Provide operational leadership of the College's Estates, Health & Safety, and Security functions, ensuring a safe, compliant, secure, sustainable, and well-maintained environment that supports teaching and learning. Translate strategic direction from the Director of Estates, Projects & Sustainability into effective operational plans, budgets, performance measures, and service standards. Oversee estates operations, compliance, health and safety, security, contracts, service delivery, and business continuity. Lead the Deputy Head of Estates, Projects & Sustainability, Health & Safety & Compliance Officer, Estates Administrator, and Security Team. Support capital projects, estate improvements, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring smooth delivery and operational integration. Act as the main escalation point for Estates, Health & Safety, and Security matters, deputising for the Director when required and ensuring appropriate management cover during periods of absence. We are seeking an experienced operational leader to manage the College's Estates, Health & Safety, and Security functions, ensuring a safe, secure, compliant, and well-maintained environment. Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Estates, Health & Safety, and Security teams.
• Deliver operational plans, budgets, service standards, and performance targets.
• Oversee maintenance, compliance, security operations, and contractor performance.
• Ensure statutory compliance, risk management, and health & safety excellence.
• Manage estates and facilities contracts and budgets.
• Support capital projects, estate improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational and security matters.
• Provide assurance and performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Promote continuous improvement and a customer-focused service culture.

Waltham Forest College has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted following its most recent inspection and has distinguished itself as one of only a small number of General Further Education Colleges across the country to achieve the prestigious ‘Outstanding’ rating.

Waltham Forest College has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, a testament to its exceptional employee experience and organisational culture. Survey results revealed staff engagement and confidence in leadership to be significantly above the national average, underlining the College's focus on wellbeing, inclusivity, and professional growth. Ranked in the top 5% of GFE colleges nationally for student achievement, Waltham Forest College continues to be an aspirational destination for learners. With state-of-the‑art industry‑standard facilities, a dedicated and expert teaching team, and a strong network of employer partnerships, the College ensures students are future‑ready and equipped for success.

We offer the opportunity to help develop your skills and knowledge in a friendly team environment, plus a range of benefits including a career average pension scheme, employee assistance programme, enhanced sick pay, NUS Employee discount, Vodafone Advantage, free onsite parking, cycle to work scheme, Sodexo benefits scheme and Benenden Health care scheme.

Benefits

• career average pension scheme
• employee assistance programme
• enhanced sick pay
• NUS Employee discount
• Vodafone Advantage
• free onsite parking
• cycle to work scheme
• Sodexo benefits scheme
• Benenden Health care scheme