Director of Estates

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Director of Estates to join a growing health and social care organisation, taking executive responsibility for a diverse national property portfolio of approximately 120 properties.

This is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Team, with regular Board-level reporting. You will lead the estates strategy, property development, capital investment, facilities management, statutory compliance and health and safety across a varied portfolio of serviced offices, community day services, residential homes, supported living schemes and individual bungalows and apartments.

The organisation supports approximately 400 people with complex autism and forensic mental health needs. The condition, safety and suitability of its properties are therefore fundamental to the quality of support provided.

Key responsibilities

Lead and deliver the group-wide estates strategy, aligned with organisational growth and service requirements.

Take responsibility for the safety, condition, compliance and future development of approximately 120 properties.

Maintain an accurate property register covering ownership, leases, condition, compliance and operating costs.

Lead property acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews and dilapidations.

Develop annual condition surveys and five-year lifecycle plans across the portfolio.

Lead new-build developments, conversions and major refurbishment projects from feasibility through to completion and operational handover.

Manage architects, planning consultants, engineers, quantity surveyors and principal contractors.

Take ownership of the capital expenditure programme, including business cases, budgets, cost control and Board reporting.

Ensure projects meet relevant building regulations, CQC requirements and specialist environmental, sensory, safety and anti-ligature needs.

Lead planned and reactive maintenance, facilities management and contractor performance.

Develop effective helpdesk and CAFM arrangements to provide visibility of assets, maintenance activity and expenditure.

Oversee utilities, energy management, sustainability and opportunities to reduce operating costs.

Act as the senior accountable executive for property compliance and group health and safety.

Ensure fire safety, Legionella, asbestos, gas, electrical, lift and other statutory compliance requirements are met.

Lead risk assessments, audits, incident reporting, RIDDOR, HSE liaison and health and safety governance.

Maintain inspection-ready compliance records and ensure actions are completed within agreed timescales.

Manage relationships with registered providers, housing associations and private landlords.

Agree and monitor management agreements, service level agreements, repairs responsibilities and landlord compliance.

Work with housing partners and local authorities to develop new supported living schemes, including specified exempt accommodation.

Lead, develop and performance-manage the estates, maintenance, development and compliance teams.

Present estates, health and safety, compliance, risk and capital investment reports to the CEO, Executive Team and Board.

Support property and compliance due diligence relating to potential acquisitions.

Candidate requirements:

Significant senior estates, property or facilities leadership experience across a multi-site portfolio, ideally 100+ properties.

Experience within health, social care, supported housing or a similarly regulated multi-site environment.

Proven delivery of new-build developments, conversions and major refurbishment programmes.

Experience of property acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations and landlord relationships.

Track record of managing substantial capital expenditure programmes and presenting business cases to senior leadership or a Board.

Strong working knowledge of statutory property compliance, including fire safety, Legionella, asbestos, gas and electrical safety and LOLER.

Experience leading health and safety at senior organisational level, including RIDDOR, audits and HSE liaison.

Experience managing planned and reactive maintenance and external contractor supply chains.

Strong leadership, commercial judgement, financial management and stakeholder engagement skills.

A degree or equivalent in building surveying, construction, estates, facilities management or a related discipline.

MRICS, MCIOB or MIWFM, or working towards, would be advantageous.

NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate is required; NEBOSH Diploma or CMIOSH would be preferred.

Relevant fire risk assessment, Legionella Responsible Person and asbestos training would be advantageous.

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UK property portfolio.

The successful candidate will be a credible and visible executive leader, capable of influencing at Board level while maintaining a practical understanding of the operational estate. You will take ownership, identify risks early and build effective relationships with operational colleagues, landlords, contractors and external stakeholders.

Salary and benefits:

£90,000 per annum, private medical insurance and a 15% performance-related bonus, subject to KPIs.

The position is hybrid, with regular travel across the UK portfolio. Ideally, candidates will be based in the Midlands, North or North West of England.

To apply or arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Cityworx