Interim Director of Estates

Interim Director of Estates Pay: £325-£350 per day - Can be 4 or 5 days a week Start: ASAP Interviews: 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 requiredWhat 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 levelsWhy 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