Trusts Estates Lead

Bedford Inclusive Learning And Training Trust; Kempston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust invites applications for a newly created Trust Estates Lead to shape estates management across our five sites. You will establish systems, processes and standards to support current estates and future growth, and influence the strategic direction of the function.

The role oversees maintenance, safety, compliance, and asset management, leading site teams and ensuring cost-effective operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in estates/facilities or property management.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, operation and development of Trust schools and assets.
• Lead estates operations across all sites and manage site agents.
• Ensure statutory compliance through robust systems and monitoring.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and participate in wider school activities as required.

Skills

Estates management

Leadership

Maintenance operations

Compliance

Job description

Be part of shaping the future of estates management across a growing SEND Multi Academy Trust.

Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT) currently operates across five sites, providing high-quality education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Our academies, supported by the Trust, offer environments that are welcoming, nurturing, calm, safe and purposeful. BILTT's vision is to continue developing as a high-performing SEND Multi Academy Trust that delivers exceptional educational experiences for all pupils, regardless of their starting points.

We are excited to have a newly created Trust Estates Lead role this academic year. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estates professional to make a lasting impact by helping to establish and develop the systems, processes and standards that will support both our current estate and future growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of estates management across the Trust and will have the opportunity to influence how the function develops over the coming years.

As Trust Estates Lead, you will oversee the maintenance, operation and development of the Trust's schools, premises and physical assets, ensuring that all environments remain safe, compliant, efficient and cost-effective. You will lead estates operations across all sites, including the management of site agents, while ensuring that statutory compliance requirements are met through robust systems, procedures and effective monitoring.

The successful applicant will have previous experience in a similar estates, facilities or property management role, together with excellent organisational and leadership skills. You will be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to urgent issues and build positive working relationships across the Trust. Flexibility, initiative and a commitment to supporting the wider life of our schools are essential.

The role will involve participation in whole-school and community activities, such as open days and events, and attendance at Trust Board and Local Governor meetings as required, some of which take place outside normal school hours.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Trust at a time of growth and development, where you can help create and embed best practice, influence strategic decision-making, and contribute directly to improving learning environments for children and young people with SEND.

We reserve the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

Closing date for applications

Midnight on Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Interview date

To be confirmed. We may close the advert early if we receive sufficient applications, so early applications are encouraged.

Start Date

ASAP

BILTT is committed to Safeguarding, Prevent, the welfare of pupils and ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers; irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, belief, sex or sexual orientation and expects staff to share that commitment. The post is subject to satisfactory references, social media/on-line checks, enhanced DBS, probationary period & health clearance.

It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended)