Senior Estates Operations Manager - Hard FM

Job overview

We’re seeking a confident, forward thinking estates leader with the autonomy, expertise and financial insight to drive high standards across a large and ambitious NHS Trust.

This is a pivotal senior role that extends well beyond technical estates management; we are looking for a capable and confident leader who can work autonomously, exercise sound judgement, manage significant financial responsibilities and motivate teams across a complex and varied estate. Operating between several Band 6 teams and an 8d Associate Director, the postholder will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership presence, professional credibility and the ability to influence and work effectively with senior stakeholders.

The postholder will play a central role in ensuring that the Trust’s estate consistently supports high quality patient care and a positive experience for staff. This includes providing assurance that statutory and planned maintenance programmes are delivered, that reactive work is prioritised using a clear risk based approach, and that estates risks are identified, managed and escalated appropriately. You will oversee all aspects of operational estates delivery, embedding strong governance, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, NHS guidance, Health Technical Memoranda, Health Building Notes and the Premises Assurance Model.

Main duties of the job

As a visible, proactive and supportive leader, you will be responsible for guiding and developing a multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 20 staff, building a flexible, mobile and modern service capable of meeting the needs of both acute and community sites. You will champion a positive safety culture and support inclusive leadership, staff development and professional growth, ensuring the team remains resilient, responsive and aligned with Trust priorities.

The role carries significant financial and operational responsibility. You will oversee substantial revenue budgets and ensure strong cost control, value for money and compliance with Standing Financial Instructions. Working closely with senior colleagues, including estates and sustainability specialists, you will lead on accurate performance reporting, effective asset management and the timely completion of national and local data returns. You will also manage contracts and external consultancy support as required.

This post requires close collaboration with clinical, operational and corporate teams to support service continuity, effective planning and alignment between estates activity and wider Trust objectives. Participation in the senior estates on call rota is also required, providing out of hours leadership, decision making and support during incidents and service interruptions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and requirements.

We reserve the right to close the advert early if sufficient applications have been received.

Applicant requirements

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.