Head of Estate Development

Job overview

The Estate Development Team at UHP plays a key role in delivering a complex capital programme supporting the future development of the Trust’s estate. The team manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including major redevelopment, new build schemes and infrastructure improvements across multiple sites.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary project management team, with significant investment and transformation programmes underway. The role offers the opportunity to shape the future estate, influence strategic decision-making, and deliver schemes that directly support improved patient care and staff experience.

The Head of Estate Development provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of the Trust’s capital programme, leading the Estate Development team responsible for delivering capital schemes across the organisation. The post holder is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring schemes are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality, while aligning with the Trust’s Integrated Business Plan.

The role also leads major capital investment programmes, strategic estate planning, and asset utilisation, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to support high-quality service delivery.

Main duties of the job

This is primarily an office-based role, with some flexibility for home working.

Please note that the selection process will comprise an in-person interview, a psychometric assessment, and two stakeholder panel discussions. Full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates with their interview invitation.

Face to face interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd June.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

• Lead delivery of the Trust’s capital investment programme, managing multiple concurrent projects from inception to completion
• Lead and manage the Estate Development (Project Management) team, including performance, capability, and workforce planning
• Provide strategic estate planning, including site development, estate optimisation and infrastructure solutions aligned to clinical priorities
• Oversee project governance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance and Trust financial controls
• Manage cost planning, forecasting and budget control across the capital programme
• Lead development of business cases and funding bids for major capital schemes
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, ICS partners, and external organisations
• Ensure safe, high-quality environments for patients, visitors and staff through effective project delivery
• Contribute to Trust-wide strategic objectives and represent the function at senior governance forums

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Estate Planning:

• Work with the Associate Director Estate Development and Director of Site Services & Infrastructure to ensure the Trust’s Site Development Plan remains aligned to latest clinical and business strategies
• Provide expert advice on estate solutions including redevelopment, new build and refurbishment schemes
• Align estate development with clinical strategy, service transformation and organisational priorities
• Develop strong partnerships with ICS, local authorities and external stakeholders

Capital Programme & Project Delivery:

• Manage the Estate Development capital investment programme, including project design and specification, prioritisation, planning and performance reporting
• Oversee delivery of capital projects from feasibility through to completion and handover
• Ensure projects meet time, cost and quality objectives and comply with statutory Health & Safety and NHS requirements
• Lead procurement, contract management and engagement with external consultants and contractors

Cost Planning, Commercial & Governance:

• Lead cost planning, forecasting and financial control across all capital schemes
• Develop feasibility studies, option appraisals and cost estimates to support business case development
• Ensure compliance with governance processes, including SOC, OBC and FBC approvals and funding requirements
• Strengthen in-house capability and reduce reliance on external consultancy where appropriate

Leadership, Management & Performance:

• Lead, manage and develop the Estate Development (Project Management) team, ensuring effective delivery across all projects
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across the team
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention and succession planning for key technical roles
• Provide professional leadership, coaching and development to maintain high standards of technical and delivery capability
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture aligned to Trust values

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Work closely with clinical teams, operational leads and patient groups to ensure projects meet user requirements
• Provide expert advice and reporting to senior management, Trust Board and committees
• Represent the Trust externally on estate development matters and capital schemes