Job overview
Working closely with the Associate Director and Chief Engineer in relation to management of the Trust’s Estates services across all Trust sites, the postholder will be responsible for 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 and Engineering development and Estates lead projects.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will manage 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.
The postholder will lead on key strategic and operational matters; change management programmes and key projects for the Trust, ensuring that the Division achieves its objectives and will be actively involved in developing all aspects of the Facilities & Estates elements of the NHS Plan including national requirements, i.e. statutory regulations, PLACE, decontamination; and be instrumental in developing on overall Trust-wide approach.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make
and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication and Relationship
1. Establish and develop effective communications with all stakeholders, both internal and external
2. Ensuring verbal and written complaints are dealt with effectively and that any remedial action is undertaken
3. 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
4. Able to communicate and feed-back on multi-stranded or complex projects at Board level and with senior managers as required
5. Able to provide and receive highly complex, technical or sensitive information from stakeholders and utilise it as required
6. Exchanges maintenance, technical project-related information with specialists, non-specialists, including senior managers, directors
7. Able to negotiate with stakeholders, suppliers and contractors
8. 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 facilities.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
9. Professional knowledge acquired through degree or equivalent plus specialist knowledge acquired through post graduate courses and experience to master's level
10. Attain a building system ‘competent’ or ‘authorised’ person qualification and act as the Trust senior representative and lead in that building system (building system will be determined according to the needs of the Trust)
11. To act as Trust wide subject matter lead in one or more areas e.g., ventilation or Medical Gases, following appropriate training.
Please see job description and person specs for full details.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
12. Proven track record as a leader and professional role model
13. Ability to collaborate effectively and maintain successful partnership
Knowledge
Essential criteria
14. Knowledge of Estates operations in a large organisation including reactive and planned maintenance
15. Ensure local probity and governance, including adherence to Trust and NHS protocols and policies and legislation
Desirable criteria
16. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS
17. Good understanding of NHS policy and reforms
Skills
Essential criteria
18. Good verbal, written, presentation, report writing and negotiation skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction
19. Skills in financial management and budgetary control
20. Able to make judgements across a wide range of Estates and Facilities issues, taking into account conflicting demands, H&S issues, legislation, professional and technical expert advice
Desirable criteria
21. Skilled in the use of bespoke Trust software and systems
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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