Associate Director of Estates
Closing date: 24 February 2026
Lead. Transform. Build the Future of Community Healthcare.
With more than 140 buildings across 70+ community locations, we are developing an estate that supports the shift toward integrated, community and neighbourhood‑level care. To achieve this vision we are recruiting an inspiring, strategic, forward‑thinking Associate Director of Estates.
Responsibilities
* Set and deliver the Trust’s estates strategy, aligning it with clinical priorities, capital programmes and the NHS Long Term Plan.
* Lead major transformation across a complex multi‑county portfolio, consolidating two legacy estates into a single unified, high‑performing model.
* Own compliance, safety and assurance, ensuring our buildings are safe, sustainable, compliant and fit for the future.
* Oversee capital planning and major investment programmes, from backlog maintenance to new developments and community hub models.
* Manage a £40m annual estates & facilities budget, driving value for money, cost improvements and strategic investment.
* Lead and inspire diverse estates, facilities and professional teams, with a team of 50 staff and contractors.
* Represent the Trust at senior level, providing expert advice to the Executive and Trust Board and leading negotiations with partners, developers and contractors.
* Provide strategic, technical and operational support to departments and stakeholders.
* Formulate policy and governance arrangements, ensuring compliance with planning, building, environmental health & safety legislation.
* Lead capital project planning for redevelopment, backlog and estate investment, including major projects.
* Account for Equality Act requirements for the public and staff using the Trust estate.
* Communicate complex, sensitive, and contentious information to all stakeholders, including high‑level negotiations.
* Produce reports and assurances on the performance of estates and facilities, aligning with professional standards and legislation.
* Manage the Trust revenue and capital budget for estates and facilities, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to Standing Financial Instructions.
* Develop and deliver cost improvement programmes and efficiency measures to meet savings targets.
* Oversee people management, delivering effective appraisals, personal development plans and training for staff and contractors.
* Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act, Information Governance and Information Security policies.
* Participate in clinical and safeguarding audits, emergency preparedness processes and risk management.
Safeguarding
* Safeguard children and young people.
* Safeguard adults at risk, including those with physical, sensory and mental impairments, and learning disabilities.
* Maintain safeguarding competencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice.
* Adhere to the Trust Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Policy and general code of conduct.
Qualifications and Training
* Chartered professional registration/accreditation in relevant discipline (RIBA, CIOB, RICS, CIBSE, etc.).
* Project management qualification or equivalent level of experience.
* Evidence of CPD and leadership development at an advanced and very senior manager level.
* Specialist training in more than one discipline (IWFM, IHEEM, etc.) obtained through postgraduate courses.
Experience
* Senior management experience in a large organisation in estates and facilities management.
* Strategic development and/or rationalisation of complex property portfolios.
* Effective partnership working at senior level with public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
* Experience with lease negotiations and development of estate strategies.
Skills and Knowledge
* Excellent communicator for highly complex information, with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
* Ability to lead a team and establish a culture of high performance, personal responsibility and collaboration.
* Ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships across partners and stakeholders.
* Strong analytical, interpretative and problem‑solving skills across engineering and building issues, legislation and statutory compliance.
Benefits & Compensation
£91,342 to £105,337 per annum (pro‑rated). Permanent contract. St Ives or Norwich with some remote working and travel across the East of England estate.
Contract & Working Pattern
Permanent. Full time with travel across the region.
EEO Statement
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of its staff and potential staff, including ex‑offenders, in line with its equal opportunities policy.
Referral and Disclosure Requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and requires a Disclosure of Barring Service check.
Reference Number
448‑SUPPS‑7803683
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