Head of Property & Estates, ESG & Growth

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF); Harrow; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) seeks an experienced Head of Property & Estates to shape and lead the estate strategy across London nurseries, sites and facilities. You will guide capital projects, compliance and sustainability while partnering with senior leaders to keep environments safe and fit for purpose.

You'll drive ESG progress, optimize the portfolio, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring operations support thousands of children, families and colleagues daily.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading property/estates in a multi-site organisation.
• Collaborative leadership style that develops high-performing teams.
• Experience shaping strategy and turning plans into action.
• Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with budgets and capital projects.
• Excellent knowledge of compliance, health and safety, and risk management.
• Sound judgement and constructive challenge.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; adaptable to audiences.
• Focus on continuous improvement and fresh thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Estates & Facilities team and manage LEYF's property portfolio strategically.
• Develop and deliver a long-term property strategy aligned to growth and sustainability.
• Coach and develop a five-person team; foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Ensure estate compliance, health & safety, and risk management across sites.
• Plan and deliver capital projects, maintenance programmes and improvements.
• Build partnerships with landlords, contractors and suppliers to improve value and service.
• Lead property planning for acquisitions, expansions, relocations and closures.
• Chair a Property Steering Group to align priorities and manage risks.
• Shape and lead the ESG agenda with reporting frameworks and sustainable practices.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Multi-site management

Estate planning

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

ESG & sustainability

Team development

Job description

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) seeks an experienced Head of Property & Estates to shape and lead the estate strategy across London nurseries, sites and facilities. You will guide capital projects, compliance and sustainability while partnering with senior leaders to keep environments safe and fit for purpose.

You'll drive ESG progress, optimize the portfolio, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring operations support thousands of children, families and colleagues daily.