Estates Manager

Our Client is seeking an experienced Estates Manager to lead the delivery of estates and facilities services across a large and complex organisation. This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for ensuring safe, compliant, efficient, and high-quality estates operations while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.

The successful candidate will oversee facilities management services, including the management of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) contracts and external service providers. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will play a key role in delivering estates strategies, maintaining operational excellence, and supporting long-term estate development plans.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the management and performance of the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) contract, ensuring delivery against KPIs and SLAs.

Ensure the security, safety, maintenance, and operational effectiveness of buildings and facilities.

Act as a key liaison between senior leadership teams, estates functions, and external service providers.

Oversee the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance, cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, waste management, and caretaking services.

Monitor contract performance, conduct audits, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop and maintain estate development and maintenance plans aligned with organisational objectives.

Manage revenue and capital budgets, ensuring effective financial planning and control.

Oversee contracted services, ensuring compliance, value for money, and service quality.

Support negotiations relating to leases, licences, and associated property matters.

Line manage and support estates administration staff, setting priorities and monitoring performance.

Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

Identify training and development needs within the team.

Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and estate management regulations.

Drive sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency improvements, and cost-saving projects.

Report on IFM performance and contribute to governance and leadership meetings.

Support the implementation of consistent estates and facilities processes across multiple sites.

About You

Hold a recognised Estates Management qualification or possess significant relevant experience.

Hold a recognised vocational qualification in a Facilities Management-related discipline.

Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuing professional development.

Significant management experience within a large and complex organisation.

Extensive experience managing budgets within a multi-functional environment.

Senior operational management experience within estates, facilities management, or a related discipline.

Strong experience managing teams and contracted services.

Proven project and change management experience.

Sound understanding of the full range of estates and facilities management functions, including health and safety compliance.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to analyse complex information and produce high-quality reports.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Experience leading teams through change and driving performance improvements

* Comprehensive knowledge of:

* Budget development, monitoring and reporting

* Business planning

* Resource planning

* Operational planning

* Quality management

* Staff review and appraisal processes

* CAFM systemsStrong understanding of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Recognised management qualification or equivalent leadership experience.

Membership of a relevant professional body within Estates or Facilities Management.

Experience within Further Education, Higher Education, or a similar environment
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed