Head of Estates and Facilities Operations

NHS Blood and Transplant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking a Head of Estates and Facilities Operations to lead a national operations team across four regions. This role involves ensuring compliance, enhancing facilities, and collaborating with stakeholders to improve services. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in facilities management and leadership skills, contributing to the organization's mission of saving lives.

Benefits

27 days annual leave, increasing with service

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working options

Supportive learning culture with the Thrive development program

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with compliance areas and HSE guidance.
• Experience leading strategic E&F process or service improvement programs.
• Management of operational budgets over £1m.

Responsibilities

• Manage national estates and facilities operations, including building maintenance.
• Lead and manage four regional managers and PPM manager.
• Drive continuous improvements in processes and service levels.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Conflict Resolution

Education

Masters-level qualification or higher in facilities, building, or technical disciplines

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head of Estates and Facilities Operations

Join to apply for the Head of Estates and Facilities Operations role at NHS Blood and Transplant

Pay Range

This range is provided by NHS Blood and Transplant. Your actual pay will depend on your skills and experience — discuss with your recruiter to learn more.

Job Summary

NHSBT is in a period of growth, seeking innovative ways to improve efficiency. The Estates and Facilities Team aims to lead this transformation, enhancing our department and positively impacting our customers.

You will lead a national operations team across four regions, including Engineering and PPM teams, ensuring a safe, compliant workspace and excellent donor experience. Your leadership, technical expertise, and decision-making will support the team daily.

Your work will help NHSBT maintain and expand its services by providing fit-for-purpose facilities aligned with strategic goals. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, using your influencing skills to achieve objectives. The essential work you do will save and improve lives, working alongside passionate, diverse colleagues committed to excellent care.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage national estates and facilities operations, including building maintenance, compliance, security, contracts, staffing, and budgets.
• Lead and manage four regional managers, PPM manager, and the National Engineering Manager.
• Oversee national FM contracts and operational risks, governance, and quality standards (HSE, MHRA, CQC, GMP).
• Drive continuous improvements in processes, service levels, and efficiencies.
• Foster collaboration within the E&F Operations teams.
• Navigate top-down and externally imposed processes (Procurement, SCAP, etc.).
• Promote personal development, performance reviews, and mandatory training.
• Lead operational meetings and initiatives requiring senior input.
• Act as operational lead for upcoming Estates Strategy.
• Deputise for the Assistant Director as needed.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive experience with the six major compliance areas (Asbestos, Fire, Water, Gas, Electrical, Lifts), regulations, and HSE guidance.
• Deep knowledge of E&F processes and operations within a complex, national healthcare environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Experience leading strategic E&F process or service improvement programs.
• Management of operational budgets over £1m, preferably in the public sector.
• Experience delivering facilities services within financial and quality frameworks.
• Strong leadership, management, and staff development skills.
• Experience in target setting, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Qualifications and Training

• Masters-level qualification or higher in facilities, building, or technical disciplines (IWFM, RICS, CIOB, etc.), with substantial senior operational leadership experience in E&F, supplemented by CPD.
• Valid UK driving licence.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD).

Please review the attached recruitment profile, summarizing the full Job Description and Person Specification, demonstrating the personal attributes required for the role.

About Us

NHS Blood and Transplant employs over 6,000 people dedicated to saving and improving lives through blood, organs, tissues, and stem cell donations. Our core values are Caring, Expertise, and Quality, guiding us to deliver exceptional service and support our colleagues' growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

What We Offer

• Salary: £74,290 - £85,601 per annum (Agenda for Change Band 8c).
• Full-time, permanent role with opportunities for progression.
• Work at major centers nationwide, including Barnsley, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and London.
• Flexible working options.
• 27 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus Bank Holidays.
• NHS pension scheme.
• Supportive learning culture with the Thrive development program.

Application deadline: 23:59 on Sunday, 1st June 2025. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 16th June (subject to confirmation). For informal inquiries, contact Martin Hunt, Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities, at [e-mail].