Overview
This is a key role that will report to the Director of Resource, Assets and Sustainability, and will lead the Trust’s estates and sustainability functions, overseeing the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of our diverse estates. This role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight, ensuring our buildings, facilities, and infrastructure are fit for purpose today while planning for the needs of the future
We are seeking a highly experienced estates and facilities leader who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence. You will be:
- Educated to Master’s level (or with substantial equivalent experience) in estates, facilities, or engineering.
- A corporate member of a relevant professional body (RICS, CIBSE, IWFM), with formal health and safety training (NEBOSH or equivalent).
- Experienced at senior level within a large, complex organisation (ideally NHS or healthcare), with a proven record of estates management, compliance, and sustainability leadership.
- Skilled in financial planning, contract management, and achieving efficiencies.
- A confident communicator and inclusive leader, able to influence at Board level while engaging staff at every level.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the development and delivery of estates, facilities, and sustainability strategies aligned to the Trust’s clinical and operational priorities.
- Champion sustainability, driving carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and environmental best practice across all Trust sites.
- Provide expert leadership on estates compliance, health and safety, and business continuity.
- Oversee the delivery of estates services including maintenance, compliance, fire safety, security, and infrastructure modernisation.
- Manage large budgets, contracts, and capital projects, ensuring efficiency and value for money.
- Lead and inspire a diverse workforce, embedding a culture of inclusion, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Working for our organisation
At South London and Maudsley, we are committed to fostering an environment where leadership, innovation, and collaboration are encouraged. We value the development of our staff and offer access to a range of professional learning opportunities. We are committed to ensuring our staff get the most out of their benefits package and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. There is an extensive range of excellent benefits for you and your family. We want you to feel like you are part of a close-knit team at South London and Maudsley. It’s important to us that you are valued and appreciated and that is why we have a comprehensive benefits package on offer
For a full list of our benefits please visit: https://www.slam.nhs.uk/media/421262/Working%20at%20SLaM.pdf
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Trust’s Estates Management and Sustainability services, ensuring safe, compliant, and high-performing estates that support clinical and operational excellence. The post holder will provide expert guidance on estates, infrastructure, health and safety, including maintenance, compliance, and sustainability initiatives. They will develop long-term strategies to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and support business continuity planning across all Trust sites.
The role also includes leading modernisation efforts, ensuring the latest technologies are embedded within estates management, and working closely with stakeholders to drive improvements in sustainability, compliance, and workforce development.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- High level Building/Engineering Qualification and/or Substantial Equivalent Experience. (A)
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in estates, facilities management, or a related engineering discipline. (A)
- Corporate membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RICS, CIBSE, IWFM). (A)
- Formal health and safety training (NEBOSH or equivalent). (A)
- Hold a full UK driving licence (A)
Desirable criteria
- Project management qualification (e.g., Prince2). (A)
- Additional qualifications in fire, asbestos, or compliance management. (A)
- Financial or business management qualification. (A)
- Degree in mechanical/electrical engineering. (A)
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant senior-level experience in estates management within a large, complex organisation (preferably NHS or healthcare). (A, I)
- Proven track record in service improvement and strategic planning. (A,I)
- Experience managing large budgets and achieving financial efficiencies. (A, I)
- Experience leading business continuity planning and compliance auditing. (A, I)
- Experience leading large teams and implementing workforce transformation initiatives. (A, I)
Desirable criteria
- Experience in mental health estate management. (A, I)
- Experience leading infrastructure modernisation for estates. (A, I)
- Experience in sustainability and carbon management strategies. (A, I)
- Experience with NHS frameworks and performance benchmarking. (A, I)
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and regulatory requirements(A,I)
- Capable of managing a large budget, balancing long-term financial oversight with daily cost-control measures. (A, I)
- Experience with compliance auditing, risk management, and the implementation of remedial actions (A, I)
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to engage and motivate a diverse team across various specialities. (A, I)
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. (A,I)
- Advanced keyboard skills
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of NHS-specific procurement and contracting processes. (A, I)
- Advanced knowledge of environmental sustainability practices. (A, I)
OTHER ATTRIBUTES:
Essential criteria
- A confident and professional leader who builds strong relationships at all levels, fosters teamwork, encourages interdepartmental collaboration, and aligns staff with organisational priorities(A,I)
- An approachable and supportive leader who remains calm and decisive under pressure, fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. (A, I)
- Flexible, pragmatic and able to work under pressure (A, I)
Desirable criteria
- Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the post, with any reasonable adjustment being made under the DDA (A, I) About South
The Trust is committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We provide reasonable adjustments for candidates with a disability and are committed to treating people fairly with compassion, respect and dignity and in promoting equality and human rights. We aim to put this commitment into practice by:
- Embedding our commitment to tackling inequality, eliminating discrimination and harassment; promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relations in our everyday practice
- Ensuring that all our services and all staff understand and support our commitment
- We believe that people who use our services, their carers and our staff, should be treated with compassion, respect and dignity
Please note:
- That all applications for this post will need to be made online
- That you read and understand the Job Description and Person Specification attached to the role. Your Statement in Support should reflect the requirements specified as your application will be judged against these criteria
- That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible
- That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3rd party e-recruitment system. All subsequent information regarding your application will be generated from apps.trac.jobs
- That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not been successful
- That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees
- That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process
- That we are a smoke-free Trust
SLaM is a Stonewall Diversity Champion , Stonewall is the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT) rights charity in Europe’
Helpful Resource: How to Use TRAC for Job Applications
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