Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy

Job overview

We are recruiting for a Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy

to provide strategic leadership for the development, optimisation and transformation of the Trust's estate, ensuring that estate infrastructure, property assets and capital investment programmes support the current and future operational needs of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for leading the Trust's Capital Programme, Property Portfolio Management, Strategic Estate Planning and Estate Development functions. This includes the delivery of capital projects, property acquisitions and disposals, estate rationalisation initiatives, major infrastructure investment and estate modernisation programmes.

The role is accountable for the development and delivery of the Estates Strategy, Capital Investment Plans, Property Strategy and Estate Optimisation Programmes, ensuring compliance with NHS requirements, supporting organisational transformation and delivering value for money across the estate portfolio.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose

The Head of Projects, Property & Estates Strategy is a senior leadership role within the Estates and Facilities Directorate, responsible for developing and delivering the Trust's Estates Strategy, Capital Programme and Property Portfolio Strategy. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and professional expertise to ensure the Trust's estate is safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care and operational services.

The role will lead the planning, development, procurement and delivery of capital projects, estate modernisation programmes and property transactions across the Trust's portfolio. The post holder will ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance, governance arrangements and financial controls, whilst achieving value for money and supporting organisational objectives.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation and periodic review of the Trust's Estates Strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, clinical strategies, operational requirements and national NHS priorities.
• Provide professional leadership and expert advice to Executive Directors, senior managers and stakeholders on all aspects of estate planning, capital investment and property management.
• Develop long-term estate investment plans to maintain, improve and modernise the Trust's estate portfolio.
• Support organisational transformation programmes through the provision of innovative estate solutions and effective use of property assets.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, efficiency savings, income generation and estate rationalisation.
• Represent the Trust at regional and national forums relating to estates, property, sustainability and capital investment.

Capital Programme and Project Management

• Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's capital programme, ensuring investments support organisational priorities and provide measurable benefits.
• Manage a portfolio of complex capital, infrastructure and estate improvement projects from inception through to completion.
• Establish effective project governance arrangements, ensuring appropriate oversight, reporting and assurance mechanisms are in place.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timescales, budgets, quality standards and performance objectives.
• Develop business cases, financial appraisals and investment proposals for submission through Trust governance processes.
• Monitor programme performance, project risks, issues and dependencies, implementing mitigation plans where required.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future projects and programmes.
• Commission and manage external consultants, contractors and professional advisors as required.

Property and Asset Management

• Lead the strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio, ensuring assets are utilised effectively and deliver maximum value.
• Oversee property acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences and tenancy arrangements.
• Provide advice on estate utilisation, space planning and asset optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure accurate estate records, property data and asset information are maintained.
• Lead negotiations with landlords, developers, local authorities and external partners on property-related matters.
• Identify opportunities to release value from surplus or underutilised assets.
• Support the development of collaborative estate initiatives with NHS partners, Integrated Care Systems and other public sector organisations.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure all estate projects and property activities comply with relevant legislation, statutory requirements, NHS guidance and professional standards.
• Maintain robust governance frameworks for capital and property programmes.
• Provide assurance regarding compliance with health and safety legislation, construction regulations and estates-related statutory obligations.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and public procurement requirements.
• Monitor and manage project and programme risks, escalating significant issues through appropriate governance routes.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Executive Management Board, committees and other governance groups.
• Support internal and external audits relating to estates, projects and property functions.

Financial Management

• Manage significant capital and revenue budgets associated with estate projects and property activities.
• Develop robust financial plans and investment proposals to support strategic estate objectives.
• Ensure effective budgetary control and forecasting arrangements are maintained.
• Monitor project expenditure and benefits realisation to ensure value for money.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities where available.
• Contribute to annual business planning, capital planning and financial strategy processes.
• Ensure all projects are supported by appropriate financial appraisal and option analysis.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a key liaison point between operational services, clinical teams, senior managers and external partners.
• Lead engagement activities relating to major estate developments and transformation programmes.
• Work closely with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, ambulance service partners and local authorities to support strategic estate initiatives.
• Present complex information to a wide range of audiences and facilitate informed decision-making.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve issues that may impact project delivery.

Sustainability and Innovation

• Lead the integration of sustainability principles into estate planning and project delivery.
• Support delivery of the Trust's Green Plan and Net Zero ambitions.
• Promote energy efficiency, carbon reduction and environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to utilise innovative technologies and modern construction methods.
• Ensure projects consider whole-life costs, environmental impacts and social value objectives.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide visible and effective leadership across the Projects, Property and Estates Strategy function.
• Lead, manage and develop direct reports, creating a high-performing and customer-focused team.
• Establish clear objectives and performance measures for staff.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning and professional development activities.
• Promote a positive culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with all Trust policies, procedures and people management responsibilities.

Risk Management

• Lead the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with the capital programme, estate strategy and property portfolio.
• Maintain risk registers and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Provide assurance to senior leadership regarding estate-related risks and opportunities.
• Support business continuity and resilience planning through effective estate management.
• Ensure emerging risks are identified early and managed proactively.

General Responsibilities

• Act at all times in accordance with the Trust's values, policies and procedures.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery and team management.
• Maintain professional knowledge and competency through continuing professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority and scope of the post.
• Demonstrate leadership behaviours expected of a senior manager within the Trust.
• Contribute to the achievement of organisational objectives and continuous improvement across Estates and Facilities services.

Key Accountabilities

• Delivery of the Trust's Estates Strategy and associated implementation plans.
• Delivery of the capital programme within approved budgets and timescales.
• Strategic management of the Trust's property portfolio.
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Achievement of agreed financial, operational and performance objectives.
• Development of strong stakeholder relationships and effective governance arrangements.
• Delivery of measurable improvements in estate performance, efficiency, sustainability and service resilience.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.