Based in Canterbury | Multi-site across East Kent
Lead the estates function that keeps healthcare running
We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Estates & Technical Services to provide strategic and operational leadership across a complex, multi-site healthcare estate in East Kent, based from Canterbury .
This is a critical senior role responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant and resilient operation of patient-critical infrastructure across acute and community hospital sites serving thousands of patients every day.
If you are a proven healthcare estates leader with deep technical expertise, strong assurance capability, and the confidence to operate at Board and clinical level, this role offers scale, influence and real purpose.
The Role
Reporting at senior level, you will lead Estates & Technical Services across multiple hospital sites, with accountability for:
Hard FM operations and engineering services
Statutory, mandatory and HTM/HBN compliance
Lifecycle, backlog risk and infrastructure resilience
Project delivery and minor capital works
Emergency response, business continuity and on-call leadership
You will act as the Technical Authority for the organisation, providing assurance to Directors, clinicians and regulators, and leading a multi-disciplinary workforce of 30+ estates managers, engineers and specialists .
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Lead and develop Estates & Technical Services across a geographically dispersed healthcare estate
Provide expert oversight of mechanical, electrical and building services systems, including HV/LV, medical gases, water systems, HVAC, boilers and emergency power
Act as senior escalation point for clinical, operational and technical issues
Compliance & Assurance
Ensure full compliance with HTMs, HBNs, statutory legislation and NHS guidance
Maintain robust assurance frameworks, audits, AP/CP arrangements and risk management processes
Lead high-risk compliance areas including fire safety, water safety, asbestos, COSHH and electrical safety
Maintenance, Projects & Asset Management
Direct PPM, reactive maintenance, lifecycle planning and backlog risk reduction
Oversee infrastructure upgrades and minor works within live clinical environments
Maximise use of CAFM and BMS systems to drive performance and assurance
Manage significant operational budgets and ensure value for money
Lead procurement, contract management and supplier performance
Drive KPI, SLA and service improvement outcomes
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with clinical teams, senior managers, contractors and regulators
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability and customer service
Develop capability, succession and resilience within the estates workforce
Emergency & On-Call
Participate in the senior Estates on-call rota
Provide leadership during incidents impacting clinical services and continuity of care
About You
Substantial experience in healthcare estates management, ideally within an NHS or acute hospital environment
Strong applied knowledge of HTMs, HBNs and healthcare statutory compliance
Degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, building services, estates or a related discipline
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IHEEM, CIBSE, IWFM )
Authorised Person (AP) status in at least one discipline (e.g. electrical, medical gases, water, ventilation, boilers, HV/LV)
Proven experience managing multi-site estates teams, contractors, budgets and complex infrastructure
High competence with CAFM, compliance systems and performance reporting
Full UK driving licence
Strong mechanical and electrical background
Experience operating in high-pressure, clinically critical environments
A pragmatic, solutions-focused leadership style with excellent stakeholder skills
What’s On Offer
Generous annual leave with buy/sell options
Staff wellbeing and communication platforms
Discounted on-site catering
Access to public sector and Blue Light discounts
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