The Purpose of the Job
The Head of Estates provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the College's built environment. This includes:
Delivering the capital development programme (including the £30m Library+ project).
Overseeing an annual refurbishment and maintenance programme of c. £5m.
Leading the College's sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.
Managing and developing the in-house maintenance team.
Responsibility for utility contracts, meter readings and contract administration (note the negotiations for utilities are done centrally for the collegiate university).
Acting as the College's professional client representative, ensuring all projects meet safety, quality, and value-for-money standards. Main Duties and Responsibilities Strategy Leadership
Develop and implement a 10-year Estates Strategy aligned with the College's Masterplan and Carbon Reduction Plan.
Provide professional advice to the Director of College Services, Bursar, Estates Committee and Finance Committee on capital planning and maintenance priorities.
Lead the Estates contribution to the College's environmental and net-zero commitments. Act as Client Representative for the Library+ Project, ensuring coordination between architects, consultants and College stakeholders.
Oversee all major works including hostel refurbishments, kitchens and infrastructure upgrades.
Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and planning/listed building consents. Maintenance Management
Line-manage the Deputy Maintenance Manager and oversee the maintenance team.
Ensure effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) across the estate.
Manage reactive works and emergency response.
Maintain accurate asset registers, drawings, and statutory records.
Prepare and manage Estates budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
Prepare and manage tender documentation and JCT contracts for refurbishment and capital projects, ensuring compliance with College procurement policy and statuory requirements.
Report regularly to the Director of College Services, the Bursar and Committees on expenditure and programme delivery.
Act as client for our commercial property portfolio in Cambridge, managed by our external property managers. Person Specification Essential
Degree or professional qualification in Building Surveying, Construction, or related discipline (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE, or IWFM membership)
Proven track record managing major capital projects (£5m+), experience in heritage and listed building environments
Strong understanding of M&E systems, sustainability, and decarbonisation (Passivhaus / BREEAM / WELL accreditation awareness)
Experience leading maintenance teams in a complex estate
Excellent budget management and procurement skills
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management
Desired Skills and Experience
Capital Projects
Estates Management
Maintenance
Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.