Interim Director of Estates

Pay: £325–£350 per day - Can be 4 or 5 days a weekStart: ASAPInterviews: Stage 1 – Teams | Stage 2 – Face-to-face

Are you an estates leader who can shape strategy, drive capital projects, and deliver a safe, sustainable, high-performing estate?

This team requires a leader to bring stability and direction. Are you that person?

A leading higher education organisation is seeking an interim Director of Estates to take ownership of its estate strategy, capital projects, operational delivery, compliance, and long-term development.

This is a pivotal, high-impact role at the heart of the organisation’s future.

The Role

You will lead the entire estates function — overseeing maintenance, cleaning, caretaking, security, catering, capital development, health & safety, and sustainability.

You will have 5 direct reports.

Working closely with the board, you’ll set the strategic direction for the estate, manage multi-million-pound budgets, oversee tenders and contracts, and embed a culture of safety, digital innovation, and value for money across all operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estates department and support the CFO with strategic planning
• Develop and deliver the college’s estates strategy and ensure policy compliance
• Manage and motivate the estates team, shaping structure, performance and development
• Oversee all health & safety, ensuring full statutory compliance
• Manage revenue and capital budgets, producing accurate financial and operational reporting
• Lead tendering, procurement and contract management for estates and capital projects
• Commission property audits, condition surveys, and space utilisation reviews
• Provide timely insights and advice to senior leaders and governors
• Support risk management, resource planning and sustainability initiatives
• Represent the college with external agencies and sit on the Wider Management Team
• Act as Duty Manager and deputise for senior leaders when required

What You Bring

• Experience of leading an estates team and strategy
• Strong senior leadership in estates, facilities, or capital projects
• Deep understanding of H&S, statutory compliance, and property management
• Excellent strategic planning, contract management, and budget control
• Ability to drive cultural, operational and sustainability improvements
• Confident communicator who can influence at all levels

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a large, diverse estate and lead meaningful transformation — with immediate impact.

If you can start quickly and thrive in strategic, hands-on environments…

Apply now — interviews happening immediately.