• Locations

  Hadlow, Kent

• Salary

  £50000 - £55000 per annum + 35 days hols plus BH + Pension

• Sector

  Construction, Property & Engineering, Estates & Facilities Management

• Type

  Permanent

Job Title: Head of Estates (Permanent, Estates & Facilities)

Location: Hadlow, Kent

About the Role / Job Summary: A well-established further education college is seeking a Head of Estates to provide strategic leadership and operational management across estates and facilities. You will ensure buildings and services effectively support teaching, learning, and curriculum delivery, working closely with the Director of Estates and Risk Management and senior leaders. The role covers day-to-day operations, performance against KPIs, compliance, and budget stewardship while promoting a culture of high standards and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead estates and facilities operations to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality learning environments across college sites.

• Manage the Estates & Facilities department, setting objectives, monitoring KPIs, and driving service improvements.

• Establish responsive systems for building and facilities issues, ensuring timely resolution and customer-focused outcomes.

• Support curriculum delivery through innovative estates solutions that enable future growth and efficiency.

• Plan resources with senior leaders and contribute to audits, inspections, and assessment processes.

• Oversee budget management, procurement, and value-for-money contract and supplier performance.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety, risk management, statutory regulations, and industry best practice.

• Contribute to estates strategy, including maintenance planning, asset lifecycle, and sustainability initiatives.

• Coordinate business continuity and emergency arrangements, including out-of-hours escalation protocols.

• Develop policies, procedures, and documentation for consistent estates governance and quality assurance.

Qualifications:

• Professional qualification in estates/facilities management or building services (e.g., IWFM or equivalent).

• Formal health and safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent).

• Evidence of compliance and risk management competence within a regulated environment.

• Strong procurement and contract management capability.

Education Requirements:

• Degree in facilities management, building surveying, engineering, construction management, or a related field.

• Further training in compliance, sustainability, or project management is desirable.

Experience Requirements:

• Proven leadership in estates and facilities within education, public sector, or complex multi-site organisations.

• Track record of managing operational teams, budgets, and performance metrics.

• Experience delivering planned maintenance, asset lifecycle planning, and minor capital works.

• Knowledge of statutory compliance, health and safety, risk management, and business continuity.

• Demonstrated ability to engage senior stakeholders and align estates services to organisational strategy.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual’s skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.