Strategic Estates & Operations Director

Good Shepherd Trust; Jacobs Well; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Good Shepherd Trust is seeking a senior leader to shape estates and operations across 23 schools in Surrey and Hampshire. Reporting to the CFOO, you will lead estates strategy, compliance, health and safety, and major works programmes, ensuring safe, well-maintained sites that support high-quality teaching and learning.

You will build robust governance, contractor management, and assurance processes, while advising senior leaders and trustees on investment priorities and delivery progress across

Qualifications

• Degree or substantial senior-level estates/facilities management experience in a complex organisation.
• NEBOSH qualification, or an equivalent recognised health and safety qualification.
• Proven senior estates or facilities leadership experience with accountability for safe, compliant delivery across multiple sites.
• Strong knowledge of premises-related statutory compliance (asbestos, fire, legionella, electrical safety, COSHH, contractor control).
• Experience leading estates strategy, capital programmes, planned maintenance or major works including procurement, risk management and budget control.
• Ability to manage significant revenue, capital or grant-funded budgets with forecasting, prioritisation and reporting.
• Procuring, mobilising and holding contractors, consultants and outsourced providers to account for quality and cost.
• Developing contractor management arrangements including selection, compliance, supervision and assurance processes.
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset with focus on continuous improvement and clear senior reporting.
• Sound judgement, clear communication and ability to produce evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of a Trust-wide estates, health and safety and compliance assurance framework with robust monitoring and reporting.
• Set and deliver the estates strategy, including condition priorities and capital works.
• Ensure all school sites are safe, compliant and well maintained to support teaching and learning.
• Oversee systems for audits, inspections, incidents and risk assessments with timely assurance.
• Plan, procure and oversee building projects and major works with value for money and minimal disruption.
• Provide strategic oversight of premises operations, maintenance, and vehicle management.
• Advise senior leaders and trustees on estate condition, investment priorities and delivery progress.
• Lead the response to regulatory inspections and enforcement actions with engraved lessons and improvements.

Skills

Strategic estates leadership

Health and safety leadership

Contractor management

Budget & financial management

Governance & reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree or equivalent

NEBOSH or health and safety qualification

Job description

Good Shepherd Trust is seeking a senior leader to shape estates and operations across 23 schools in Surrey and Hampshire. Reporting to the CFOO, you will lead estates strategy, compliance, health and safety, and major works programmes, ensuring safe, well-maintained sites that support high-quality teaching and learning.

You will build robust governance, contractor management, and assurance processes, while advising senior leaders and trustees on investment priorities and delivery progress across