Director of Estates

Director of Estates

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and ambitious Director of Estates to join our team. We are looking for a dynamic and energetic individual who can build on the success of the team and take it forward to ensure that we deliver against our values across the organisation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the leadership and management of the Estates and Health & Safety functions within the College Group. In addition to managing the Estates function, the postholder will be a member of the College’s Strategic Leadership Team which drives a culture of high performance and expectations across all areas of the college and will attend and represent the college at sector specific groups. The key purpose of this role is to ensure the College maintains excellent teaching and learning facilities and work with the Deputy Chief Executive to develop the next iteration of our Estates strategy to ensure response to wider aims and plans.

Essential to the role is the ability to manage complex and diverse groups of stakeholders and the ability to engage at both a strategic and operational level. 

The College operates across 5 main sites with state-of-the-art facilities, educates approximately 10,000 learners each year, offering the widest choice of subjects in the city including apprenticeships and HE programmes. The size and breadth of the college puts us at the heart of the city and brings us in contact with partners and stakeholders of all kinds. 

The College is an anchor institution not just for the city, but for the city region, providing an exceptional student experience and outstanding support for all students to succeed and progress. We are recognised for our innovative practice, the strength and breadth of our partnerships, the expertise of our staff (many of whom are dual professionals) and above all the transformational impact we have on the lives of our students. This role is key to providing an outstanding student experience.

For further information on the role and personal attributes, qualifications and experience required please see the role profile.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignments, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age adhering to the requirements of Quality Act 2010.

We are proud of the diversity within our city and want to ensure that the city’s diversity is reflected at all levels within our workforce. To help achieve this we are guaranteeing an interview for all BAME applicants who meet the essential criteria for all management roles.”

The college also follow a blind shortlisting process.

The College is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all required DFE pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including Enhanced DBS Disclosure including a Barred List Check

Key Responsibilities

1.   Oversight and accountability for the Estates department and to advise the Deputy Chief Executive on all related issues.
2.  Ensure effective implementation of all people management policies and procedures including recruitment, appraisal, discipline and performance management of all staff.
3.  Provide dynamic leadership to contribute to the creation of a culture that encourages productive team working
4.  To implement a proactive, effective and efficient strategy for the college estate to ensure a system of maintenance for the buildings of the college estate, including planned maintenance timed to minimise disruption to the academic and business activity of the college ensuring that safeguarding is at the core of planning when any works are carried out. 
5.  As the expert and main person responsible (accountability remains with the Principal and the Board) to ensure the safety and security of all estates/property of the College.
6.  To review on an annual basis the College H&S Policy which dictates the H&S culture and operational effectiveness of H&S throughout the organisation.
7.  Ensure effective control systems operate for statutory compliance and Planned Preventative Maintenance.
8.  To provide design and management advice in support of the college strategic property development plans, promoting excellence in both design and space utilisation and whilst ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements.
9.  To take part in meetings and interviews to inform decision making for the appointment of advisors and contractors.
10.  To effectively manage the contract for cleaning services. 
11.  To undertake surveys and prepare technical reports and design briefs for use by consultants.
12.  To lead on monitoring and tracking the sustainability targets within the estate including the performance of buildings relative to maintenance and energy conservation.
13.  To monitor and supervise the building work being undertaken by external providers and other members of the team.
14.  To participate in an out of hours on call rota if required to do so.
15.  To prepare reports for the executive team of the College and external bodies as required.
16.  To act as project executive/sponsor on projects/programmes as agreed.
17.  To produce regular reporting on all projects, maintenance (planned and reactive) programmes including financial updates.
18.  Undertake handover and client commissioning following practical completion of building construction.
19.  Ensure all minor works/projects have appropriate specifications, quality and monitoring procedures in place.
20.  To ensure that the estate is operated and maintained in accordance with all current legislation.
21.  To provide a safe and secure working environment in all areas under the post holders responsibility/control, and to ensure compliance with the college’s health and safety policy and legal requirements.
22.  To ensure that the estates staff are adequately trained in the operation of equipment and systems.
23.  Organise end user training for specialist equipment.
24.  To prepare, monitor, evaluate and review the estate budgets ensuring that the estate operates in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
25.  To obtain bids, letting of contracts and programming of building work, including on site supervision, ensuring that, in the process of estates management, at all times value for money is secured for the College.
26.  To produce and maintain and estates data system containing plans, asset registers, mapping, O&M Manuals and other related information for all buildings.
27.  To promote equality and diversity practices across the organisation, working at all time in accordance with the College’s commitment to Equality and Diversity.
28.  Development of departmental service standards and reporting on KPIs for all relevant areas to support the overarching College strategy.
29.  Ensure compliance with and effective implementation of strategies, systems, policies and procedures.
30.  To participate in the College’s staff development programme taking responsibility for maintaining continuous professional development both in relation to the role and business priorities.