Job Description
Head of Estates
Full-time | 37.5 hours per week | Permanent
Circa £55,000 + Package & Opportunities
Location: Suffolk
Are you an experienced and visionary Estates professional ready to take the next step in your career? A leading educational establishment set in beautiful surroundings is seeking a Head of Estates to lead the strategic and operational delivery of its estate and facilities services.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and elevate the estate of a prestigious and diverse multi-site organisation, encompassing a variety of different buildings. You’ll bring leadership, innovation, and drive to a vital role that ensures the smooth operation, safety, and exceptional presentation of all facilities.
The Role
As Head of Estates, you will report directly to the Director and play a key leadership role across Maintenance, Grounds, and Cleaning functions. Your focus will be on operational excellence, customer service, and safe, sustainable estate management. You’ll also oversee capital development, compliance, and contractor performance—ensuring all activity aligns with long-term strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver planned preventative maintenance and capital works programmes, including a 10-Year Strategic Plan.
* Lead large-scale estate development projects from concept to completion—on time, within scope and budget.
* Oversee the performance of third-party contractors and in-house teams, ensuring services are delivered to the highest standard.
* Set clear SLAs, tender contracts in line with procurement procedures, and monitor supplier KPIs.
* Act as a key liaison for all estate-related matters, working closely with internal stakeholders.
* Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation across all properties, embedding a culture of safety and accountability.
* Chair regular Estates team meetings and attend senior management and board meetings as required.
About You
Our Client is looking for a forward-thinking, proactive, and strategically minded estates leader with:
* 10+ years’ experience in estates/facilities management—ideally within education, healthcare, heritage, or similar complex environments.
* Strong people leadership skills, with a proven track record of managing diverse operational teams and third-party contractors.
* Experience in capital project delivery and a solid understanding of building services and compliance requirements.
* A professional qualification in Facilities Management (IWFM, AssocRICS, or working toward).
* Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
* A collaborative, problem-solving mindset and the ability to balance long-term strategic projects with day-to-day operational needs.
What’s on Offer
* A highly rewarding and varied role with a respected and values-driven organisation.
* The chance to work in a stunning environment with a wide range of buildings and grounds.
* An influential position where you can lead real change, innovation, and improvement.
Apply Now
If you're ready to step into a role where your organisational skills, people focus and vendor expertise will be truly valued, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to apply for this role, please contact one of the Maxwell Stephens team on 02071184848 for more details. You can also send your CV to cv@maxwellstephens.com.