Head Of Estates

Head of Estates

Northumberland College (Recruiting through The Supply Register)
Location: Ashington, Kirkley Hall & Berwick-upon-Tweed
Salary: £44,699 - £47,421 per annum
Contract: Full Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced Estates or Facilities Manager ready to lead the day-to-day operation of a diverse estate where your decisions make a real difference?

The Supply Register is recruiting on behalf of Northumberland College for a Head of Estates to oversee operations across three unique campuses: the new Wansbeck campus in Ashington, the impressive Kirkley Hall campus with its working zoo, and the Berwick satellite campus.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative Estates leadership team, creating safe, compliant and welcoming environments that support thousands of students, staff and visitors.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director of Capital Projects and Estates, you’ll lead the operational management of the estate across your campuses, managing in-house teams and specialist contractors to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality service delivery.

This is a predominantly soft facilities management leadership role, covering cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, waste management and contractor performance, while supporting statutory compliance across the estate.

Around 70% of the role is reactive, so you’ll enjoy problem-solving, making decisions quickly and responding to operational challenges. You’ll also help drive continuous improvement, sustainability initiatives and value for money across estate services.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and developing a team of two Team Leaders and six Estates Technicians.
• Managing day-to-day estates operations across Ashington, Kirkley Hall and Berwick.
• Ensuring campuses remain safe, compliant and operational.
• Managing service contracts including cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, waste and specialist services.
• Monitoring contractor performance, compliance and KPIs.
• Managing budgets and delivering value for money.
• Working with campus leaders and senior stakeholders to meet operational priorities.
• Supporting statutory compliance, planned maintenance and legislative requirements.
• Promoting health, safety and safeguarding across estates activities.
• Driving sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental improvements.
• Leading estates projects and operational improvements.
• Responding to emergencies and providing occasional out-of-hours support.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced estates or facilities management professional with strong operational leadership and excellent people skills.

You’ll be confident managing competing priorities, building relationships and making effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in:

• Facilities Management
• Commercial Property
• Property Management
• Student Accommodation
• Social Housing
• Estate Agencies and Lettings
• Hospitality
• Holiday Parks
• Healthcare
• Local Government
• Multi-site operations

Essential Criteria

• Level 2 Maths and English (or equivalent).
• Relevant management qualification or significant management experience.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across Northumberland.
• Experience managing soft facilities services, contractors and operational teams.
• Experience coordinating statutory compliance activities.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Flexibility to respond to operational issues, including occasional emergencies.

Desirable

• Estates or Facilities Management experience within a complex estate.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• Asbestos awareness or management qualification.
• Experience managing estates projects.
• Knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Understanding of sustainability and environmental management.
• Experience developing estates policies and procedures.

Why Join Northumberland College?

Join an ambitious organisation investing in its estate, including the opening of the new Wansbeck campus, while becoming part of a supportive Estates leadership team.

You’ll benefit from:

• 35 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Flexible working, including some home working after induction
• MyLifestyle employee benefits platform with retail discounts
• Optional dental, eye care and healthcare cash plans
• NHS Fleet vehicle scheme
• Free parking across all campuses
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

About The Supply Register

The Supply Register partners with leading education organisations across the UK, connecting talented professionals with rewarding career opportunities. We are proud to be supporting Northumberland College in recruiting for this important leadership position.

If you're ready to lead estates operations across a growing and diverse college estate, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today through The Supply Register.

Safeguarding Statement

The Supply Register and Northumberland College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS.