Head of Estates / Senior Estates Manager
📍 Highly reputable Further Education college, close to Central London
đź•’ Full-time
The Opportunity
An established and highly regarded Further Education college located close to Central London is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Estates to lead the development, management, and performance of its estate and facilities operations.
This is a senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape estates strategy, oversee capital and maintenance programmes, and lead high-performing teams in a large, complex education environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the strategic development and delivery of the college’s estates strategy, including capital projects, refurbishments, and long-term estate planning
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Manage the day-to-day delivery of estates and facilities services, including maintenance, cleaning, security, catering, and health & safety
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Act as the primary estates liaison between the college senior leadership team and central professional services
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Lead, develop, and motivate in-house estates and premises teams, ensuring high standards of service delivery
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Oversee externally contracted services, monitoring performance, compliance, and value for money
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Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation, statutory requirements, and best practice
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Manage revenue and capital budgets, including forecasting, financial planning, and cost control
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Support sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, and environmental performance across the estate
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Provide expert advice on estates-related legislation, risk management, and operational planning
About You
You will be an experienced senior estates or facilities professional, ideally with exposure to education, public sector, or similarly complex environments.
You will likely have:
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Significant experience at senior management level within estates or facilities management
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Strong knowledge of FM operations, including maintenance, contracts, health & safety, and compliance
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Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and external suppliers
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Experience overseeing capital projects, refurbishments, and minor works programmes
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Sound financial management experience, including budgeting and forecasting
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
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A proactive, solution-focused leadership style
Qualifications / Professional Background (desirable):
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Estates, Facilities Management, or property-related qualification (or equivalent experience)
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Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IWFM/BIFM)
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Experience within Further or Higher Education or a similarly regulated environment
Why Apply?
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Senior leadership role within a well-established and respected college
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Opportunity to shape and influence long-term estates strategy
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Varied and impactful role across a large, complex estate
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Competitive salary and benefits
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Central London location with excellent transport links