Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
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Job summary
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy to lead the estates strategy, capital programme and property portfolio across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and North East Hampshire. You will provide strategic leadership, governance and delivery of complex estate projects, ensuring value for money and alignment with clinical strategies.
The role requires extensive senior management experience in estates and capital projects, with NHS
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Estate Management, Building Surveying, Property Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate.
- Professional Membership (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng or equivalent). PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
- Master's Degree, MBA, ChPP, NEC Contract Management Qualification.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and periodic review of the Estates Strategy and Capital Programme.
- Manage a portfolio of capital, infrastructure and estate improvement projects from inception to completion.
- Lead negotiations with landlords, developers, and external partners on property-related matters.
- Ensure governance, financial controls and value for money across the estate portfolio.
- Provide assurance on compliance with NHS guidance and statutory obligations.
Skills
Education
Job description
Main area Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy Grade NHS AfC: Band 8a Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 278-HoPPES-1026-AS
Employer South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Nexus House, Crawley Town Crawley Salary £57,528 - £64,750 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 20/11/2026 09:00
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has a vision to ‘support our staff to provide a caring, high quality and efficient urgent and emergency care service to our communities’. We are rated ‘Good’ for care by the Care Quality Commission and while the other areas under their most recent report require improvement, our aim is to continually improve and to reach outstanding across all areas of the Trust.
Our 4,000+ workforce provide services to 4.9m people across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and North East Hampshire. We handle over 1 million calls to 999 and 1 million calls to NHS 111 every year. More information regarding our services and locations can be found on our website.
We are recruiting for a Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy
to provide strategic leadership for the development, optimisation and transformation of the Trust's estate, ensuring that estate infrastructure, property assets and capital investment programmes support the current and future operational needs of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
The post holder will be responsible for leading the Trust's Capital Programme, Property Portfolio Management, Strategic Estate Planning and Estate Development functions. This includes the delivery of capital projects, property acquisitions and disposals, estate rationalisation initiatives, major infrastructure investment and estate modernisation programmes.
The role is accountable for the development and delivery of the Estates Strategy, Capital Investment Plans, Property Strategy and Estate Optimisation Programmes, ensuring compliance with NHS requirements, supporting organisational transformation and delivering value for money across the estate portfolio.
- Option to join NHS pension scheme
- A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years’ service.
- Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
- Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
- Access to occupational health and counselling services.
- Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.
The Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy is a senior leadership role within the Estates and Facilities Directorate, responsible for developing and delivering the Trust's Estates Strategy, Capital Programme and Property Portfolio Strategy. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and professional expertise to ensure the Trust's estate is safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and operational services.
The role will lead the planning, development, procurement and delivery of capital projects, estate modernisation programmes and property transactions across the Trust's portfolio. The post holder will ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance, governance arrangements and financial controls, whilst achieving value for money and supporting organisational objectives.
- Lead the development, implementation and periodic review of the Trust's Estates Strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, clinical strategies, operational requirements and national NHS priorities.
- Provide professional leadership and expert advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and stakeholders on all aspects of estate planning, capital investment and property management.
- Develop long-term estate investment plans to maintain, improve and modernise the Trust's estate portfolio.
- Support organisational transformation programmes through the provision of innovative estate solutions and effective use of property assets.
- Identify opportunities for service improvement, efficiency savings, income generation and estate rationalisation.
- Represent the Trust at regional and national forums relating to estates, property, sustainability and capital investment.
- Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's capital programme, ensuring investments support organisational priorities and provide measurable benefits.
- Manage a portfolio of complex capital, infrastructure and estate improvement projects from inception through to completion.
- Establish effective project governance arrangements, ensuring appropriate oversight, reporting and assurance mechanisms are in place.
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timescales, budgets, quality standards and performance objectives.
- Develop business cases, financial appraisals and investment proposals for submission through Trust governance processes.
- Monitor programme performance, project risks, issues and dependencies, implementing mitigation plans where required.
- Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future projects and programmes.
- Commission and manage external consultants, contractors and professional advisors as required.
- Lead the strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio, ensuring assets are utilised effectively and deliver maximum value.
- Oversee property acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences and tenancy arrangements.
- Provide advice on estate utilisation, space planning and asset optimisation initiatives.
- Ensure accurate estate records, property data and asset information are maintained.
- Lead negotiations with landlords, developers, local authorities and external partners on property-related matters.
- Identify opportunities to release value from surplus or underutilised assets.
- Support the development of collaborative estate initiatives with NHS partners, Integrated Care Systems and other public sector organisations.
- Ensure all estate projects and property activities comply with relevant legislation, statutory requirements, NHS guidance and professional standards.
- Maintain robust governance frameworks for capital and property programmes.
- Provide assurance regarding compliance with health and safety legislation, construction regulations and estates-related statutory obligations.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and public procurement requirements.
- Monitor and manage project and programme risks, escalating significant issues through appropriate governance routes.
- Prepare reports and presentations for Executive Management Board, committees and other governance groups.
- Support internal and external audits relating to estates, projects and property functions.
- Manage significant capital and revenue budgets associated with estate projects and property activities.
- Develop robust financial plans and investment proposals to support strategic estate objectives.
- Ensure effective budgetary control and forecasting arrangements are maintained.
- Monitor project expenditure and benefits realisation to ensure value for money.
- Identify and secure external funding opportunities where available.
- Contribute to annual business planning, capital planning and financial strategy processes.
- Ensure all projects are supported by appropriate financial appraisal and option analysis.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as a key liaison point between operational services, clinical teams, senior managers and external partners.
- Lead engagement activities relating to major estate developments and transformation programmes.
- Work closely with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, ambulance service partners and local authorities to support strategic estate initiatives.
- Present complex information to a wide range of audiences and facilitate informed decision-making.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve issues that may impact project delivery.
- Lead the integration of sustainability principles into estate planning and project delivery.
- Support delivery of the Trust's Green Plan and Net Zero ambitions.
- Promote energy efficiency, carbon reduction and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to utilise innovative technologies and modern construction methods.
- Ensure projects consider whole-life costs, environmental impacts and social value objectives.
- Provide visible and effective leadership across the Projects, Property and Estates Strategy function.
- Lead, manage and develop direct reports, creating a high-performing and customer-focused team.
- Establish clear objectives and performance measures for staff.
- Support workforce planning, succession planning and professional development activities.
- Promote a positive culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Ensure compliance with all Trust policies, procedures and people management responsibilities.
- Lead the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with the capital programme, estate strategy and property portfolio.
- Maintain risk registers and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
- Provide assurance to senior leadership regarding estate-related risks and opportunities.
- Support business continuity and resilience planning through effective estate management.
- Ensure emerging risks are identified early and managed proactively.
- Act at all times in accordance with the Trust's values, policies and procedures.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery and team management.
- Maintain professional knowledge and competency through continuing professional development.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority and scope of the post.
- Demonstrate leadership behaviours expected of a senior manager within the Trust.
- Contribute to the achievement of organisational objectives and continuous improvement across Estates and Facilities services.
- Delivery of the Trust's Estates Strategy and associated implementation plans.
- Delivery of the capital programme within approved budgets and timescales.
- Strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio.
- Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Achievement of agreed financial, operational and performance objectives.
- Development of strong stakeholder relationships and effective governance arrangements.
- Delivery of measurable improvements in estate performance, efficiency, sustainability and service resilience.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Estate Management, Building Surveying, Property Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate
- Professional Membership (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng or equivalent). PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
- Master's Degree, MBA, ChPP, NEC Contract Management Qualification
- Professional Membership (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng or equivalent). PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification.
- Strategic Estate Planning, NHS Capital Investment Processes, Business Case Development, Property Law, Lease Management, Capital Programme Governance, Financial Planning, Procurement, Contract Management and Risk Management.
- Significant senior management experience in Estates, Property or Capital Projects. Leading major capital programmes. Property portfolio management. Strategic estate planning. Budget management. Business case development. Managing consultants and contractors. Board level stakeholder engagement.
- Strategic leadership, programme management, financial management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, business case writing, presentation skills, project governance, risk management and problem solving.
- Advanced property or programme management expertise. Commercial negotiation and investment appraisal skills.
- Strategic thinker, outcome focused, resilient, innovative, collaborative, professional, customer focused, politically aware and able to influence at senior levels.
- Experience leading major organisational change.
Please note that the salary range noted on the vacancy is in line with agenda for change (AFC) pay scales. All successful applicants would be placed automatically at the bottom of the banding, unless proven, relevant NHS or equivalent experience can be demonstrated.
Following the revision of current national legislation (Vaccine as a Condition of Deployment), the Trust has reviewed our requirements relating to staff uptake of the SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination.
Going forward, for patient facing positions, we strongly recommend that new starters will be appropriately vaccinated unless medically exempt in order to offer greater protection against exposure to the virus for front line staff.
In line with this recommendation, if you are successful in your application for a front line post, we will seek information from you in relation to your vaccine status, including exemption status, as applicable.
Please note, all positions come with a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check relevant to the post. This will either be a basic, standard, or enhanced check depending on the role. The level of check will be outlined in the conditional offer letter sent to successful applicants.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to declare any unspent/unfiltered convictions. If you are shortlisted you will then be sent a self declaration form, which must be completed prior to attending interview. for any queries relating to declarations, please contact the Recruitment Advisor listed on the vacancy.
The Trust is passionately committed to being an inclusive employer - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. As an employer we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement networks, facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds.
We actively support equality of opportunity for all our staff and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief. The Trust is making progress towards its aim of becoming more reflective of the diversity of our community in our workforce and guarantees an interview to candidates with disability who meet the essential criteria specified. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and disabled applicants and those from other under-represented groups.
The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people - including those with long term health conditions, learning disabilities and hidden disabilities such as dyslexia. If you tell us that you have a disability we can make reasonable adjustments to ensure that any selection processes - including the interview - are fair and equitable.
We are a committed to offering opportunities to individuals with disabilities and offer on-going support, should you be successful, with any adjustments you may need when performing your role.
When completing the application please use your name as it appears on your passport and please ensure you include email addresses and contact numbers for your referees to avoid delay in the recruitment process.
Please note that under our Trust policies, we're unable to employ anyone under the age of 18 years old.
The majority of our roles will include some travel between sites for business purposes. If the vacancy you’re applying for includes work related travel, you will be required to ensure that you hold and have covered the cost of suitable car insurance to support this.
Should you require an application form in an alternative format including large print or braille, please contact recruitment@secamb.nhs.uk stating the vacancy reference number and we will be happy to provide this.
When completing the reference section, please include details to cover the last three years’ history.
Due to the high volume of applications at SECAmb, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, then please assume you have not been shortlisted for interview on this particular occasion.
Please note that we contact all applicants via Trac Jobs and would advise you check your Trac Jobs account regularly.
Please be aware that the Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. For this reason we recommend completing your application as early as possible.
Follow our recruitment on Twitter @SECAmbRecruit and check out our Facebook page - SECAmb NHS Recruitment. You can also find us on Linkedin under South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
We understand that AI tools can be useful for generating ideas or structuring your application. However, any content submitted must reflect your own experiences, skills, and understanding. Applications that are generated wholly or in large part by AI, without personalisation or accuracy, may be excluded from consideration. We value honesty, authenticity, and integrity in the recruitment process and expect all applicants to uphold these principles.
If you are a current SECAmb employee, by applying for this position, if successful you will move to the terms and conditions associated with the post. Any unsocial hours payments will be paid under the Section 2 agreement of agenda for change. Section 2 unsocial hours will need to be claimed via your monthly timesheet. More information regarding section 2 can be found in the Agenda for Change handbook and on the our dedicatedSection 2 page on The Zon e.
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Name Andrew Carter Job title Associate Director of Estates and Facilities Email address andy.carter@secamb.nhs.uk
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