Job overview
Working closely with the Head of Estates in relation to management of the Trust’s Estates services, the post holder will be responsible for assisting in all aspects of Estates on the Hospital site, including (but not limited to): Building and Engineering services and all Estates maintenance, Statutory and mandatory requirements, Engineering development and Estates led projects.
The post holder will assist the Head of Estates in the management of the day-to-day operations of Trust Estates and develop these services in accordance with corporate policies and strategies, emphasising the cultural changes and innovations essential to modernising health care. Maintaining a culture that engages and involves staff in decisions on how services are delivered and the provision and promotion of patient-centred, excellent customer services in a professional and caring manner at all times. A key focus will be on infection control and protecting patients against hospital acquired infection; this will be achieved through effective management of resources, implementation of comprehensive systems, governance procedures and sound financial management.
Main duties of the job
Establish and develop effective communications with all stakeholders, both internal and external
Ensuring verbal and written complaints are dealt with effectively and that any remedial action is undertaken
Developing sound stakeholder relationships, through the attendance of ward committee meetings, chairing user group meetings and by prompt and positive responses to all stakeholder issues raised
Able to communicate and feed-back on multi-stranded or complex projects with senior managers as required.
Able to provide and receive highly complex, technical or sensitive information from stakeholders and utilise it as required
Exchanges maintenance, technical project-related information with specialists, non-specialists, including senior managers, directors
Able to negotiate with stakeholders, suppliers and contractors
Providing expert advice, ensuring that the management can face scrutiny or any challenges by internal/external auditors in terms of Health and Safety, Standards of Service, Compliance with National Standards and other NHS documents relating to the Management of NHS facilitiesRefer to Job Description
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Budget holder responsibilities: Assisting the Head of Estates with delivering a balanced budget annually within clearly defined parameters
Identifying and contributing to cost improvement (CiP) processes for the Division and wider benefit of the Trust
Ensuring value for money and liaising with Procurement and ensuring audit recommendations are actively and rigorously followed and changes are made as agreed within the Directorate
Supporting managers and ensuring adherence to the Trust’s standing financial instructions and procurement processes and systems
Supporting managing out-sourced external providers to achieve good working partnerships, preparing relevant specifications to undertake market testing, preparing in house tenders and service level agreement process where required and that the process for obtaining competitive tenders/quotations for contracts is followed in line with Trust Policy and standing instructions
Ability to use specialist equipment relevant to the Estates environment
Person specification
experience and qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Operational Experience in the Healthcare Sector
2. Masters or equivalent diploma or certificate / First degree or equivalent experience
3. Evidence of recent further professional development and ongoing professional leadership development
4. Knowledge of Estates operations in a large organisation including reactive and planned maintenance
5. Proven track record as a leader and professional role model
Desirable criteria
6. Professional Health & Safety qualification, NEBOSH Certificate or IOSH equivalent
7. Management qualification e.g. diploma
8. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS / Good understanding of NHS policy and reforms
9. Knowledge and experience of collaborating with external organisations, both NHS and non-NHS providers
10. Previous NHS experience
communication
Essential criteria
11. Good verbal, written, presentation, report writing and negotiation skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction
12. Able to work and engage constructively with internal and external colleagues
13. Able to communicate technical information to non-technical persons
14. Able to act independently on own initiative and judgement and to make decisions
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications