Band 9 - Director of Environment

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust as our Director of Environment, a key leadership role responsible for shaping the future of our estate and facilities. You will lead the development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports excellent patient care and reflects our strategic ambitions.

As the Trust’s principal advisor on all land, property, and estates matters, you will oversee health and safety, fire safety, decontamination, medical equipment, and security management. You will manage a diverse portfolio of services, including soft FM contracts, and ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across all areas.

Working closely with senior leaders and external partners, you will drive the delivery of strategic estate plans, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives. This role requires a visionary leader with the ability to inspire teams, manage complex budgets, and deliver transformational change in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Main duties of the job

• Develop and deliver strategic estate plans across all Trust sites.
• Provide expert estates advice for long-term redevelopment programmes.
• Lead on health and safety, fire safety, decontamination, and medical equipment compliance.
• Act as Security Management Director (SMD) and oversee security management.
• Manage three soft FM services, ensuring effective contract execution and performance.
• Contribute to corporate decision-making and strategic planning at Board level.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and implement long-term Estates and Facilities strategies, ensuring alignment with national standards and Trust objectives.
• Operational Oversight: Lead services including hospital cleanliness, catering, portering, security, engineering, sustainability, and waste management.
• Governance & Assurance: Provide assurance reports to Board committees and ensure compliance with statutory and NHS requirements.
• Financial Management: Oversee a £28m budget, ensuring value for money and adherence to Standing Financial Instructions.
• Change Management: Drive transformation and continuous improvement across Estates and Facilities services.
• People Leadership: Inspire and develop teams, fostering a culture of openness, inclusivity, and high performance.