Estates manager - NHS

Are you a motivated, high-performing Estates leader ready to take ownership of a multi-site estate and drive excellence across a growing portfolio? We are seeking an experienced Senior Estates Site Manager to lead and develop our operational Estates teams, ensuring safe, efficient and compliant Estates services that directly support outstanding patient care.

This is a key leadership role within the Estates Directorate, professionally accountable for delivering a robust multi-disciplinary service across a complex and expanding estate. You will work closely with senior leaders, clinical teams and external partners to maintain high standards, optimise performance and embed continual improvement. Initially this will be for 6-9 months with a potential of extending.

As Senior Estates Site Manager, you will be responsible for the operational management of all buildings, engineering systems, grounds, infrastructure and associated estates services across multiple Trust sites. You will ensure all assets are maintained to NHS, statutory and HTM standards, delivering a safe, effective and patient‑focused environment.

You will lead both directly employed staff and contracted teams to deliver high-quality planned and reactive maintenance services, ensuring value for money and strong governance in all operational activities.

A key part of the role includes acting as an Authorised Person in specialist areas such as Medical Gases, Water Safety, Electrical Safety (HV/LV), Specialist Ventilation or Decontamination (training provided if required).

• Lead the delivery of a safe, effective and efficient Estates maintenance service across multiple sites.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant statutory and NHS requirements, including ACoPs, HSE guidance and HTMs.
• Ensure robust management of specialist maintenance contracts and technical services.
• Work closely with Capital Projects to ensure new installations are fit for purpose and fully commissioned.

• Line manage Operational Estates Managers and their teams.
• Ensure staff are supported, developed and performance‑managed effectively.
• Maintain strong communication through team meetings, briefings and toolbox talks.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture.

• Develop operational plans and maintenance programmes that align with Trust objectives.
• Monitor team performance against KPIs and take corrective action where required.
• Manage delegated budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and achievement of cost improvement targets.
• Drive service improvements and implement initiatives to enhance safety, compliance and productivity.

• Maintain risk registers, ensuring risks are monitored and mitigated appropriately.
• Ensure safe systems of work including RAMS, SOPs, inductions and on-site supervision.
• Oversee asbestos management procedures in line with Control of Asbestos Regulations.
• Support incident reporting and learning through Datix processes.
• Lead contingency and business continuity planning for Estates operations.

• Build strong working relationships with Clinical Groups, Corporate Departments, suppliers and external agencies.
• Present reports and updates to senior management and committees as required.
• Engage with professional bodies (IHEEM, HefmA) to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant senior-level Estates or comparable operational experience.
• Demonstrates excellent technical knowledge across multiple building and engineering disciplines.
• Is an inspiring people leader with a positive, proactive mindset.
• Can work flexibly across a multi-site environment and manage competing priorities.
• Brings a strong commitment to safety, compliance and high-quality service delivery.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels.

Authorised Person qualifications (e.g. Medical Gases, Water, Electrical Safety, Ventilation) are desirable—but training can be provided for the right candidate.