Head of Estates & Operations

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach, someone who can shape the future of our estates and operations while working alongside site teams to ensure our schools are safe, well-maintained, efficient and welcoming places for children and staff.

As a core member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will play a key role in supporting the Trust's continued development, ensuring our buildings and facilities meet the needs of our schools today and are ready for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of a consistent, high-quality estates and operations service across the Trust.

You will combine strategic oversight with practical operational leadership, working closely with Site Managers, Principals, central colleagues and external partners. Building a collaborative One Team culture will be central to your approach, enabling expertise and resources to be shared effectively across our schools.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Estates leadership and development: Develop and deliver the Trust's Estates Strategy, oversee planned preventative maintenance and ensure our buildings, grounds and facilities are maintained to a high standard.
• Health, safety and compliance: Lead the Trust's approach to health and safety, statutory compliance and environmental risk management, ensuring robust systems, regular audits and clear assurance reporting.
• Team leadership: Line manage, support and develop Site Managers, establish consistent operational standards and build a collaborative service that works effectively across all schools.
• Procurement and contract management: Review and centralise operational contracts, negotiate with suppliers and manage contractor performance to secure quality, efficiency and value for money.
• Sustainability: Help drive the Trust's sustainability and decarbonisation agenda through practical energy-efficiency measures, waste reduction and more sustainable working practices.
• Operational improvement and growth: Embed consistent processes and support the integration of new schools into the Trust, ensuring operational arrangements are effective from the outset.

This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable contributing to Trust-wide strategy, analysing compliance information and budgets, resolving a complex building issue on site, or supporting a Site Manager to find a practical solution.

About you

We are looking for an experienced estates, facilities or operations professional who can demonstrate the knowledge, confidence and practical expertise to lead a multi-site service.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in estates, facilities or operations management across a multi-site organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and requirements relating to COSHH, asbestos, fire safety and water hygiene.
• Experience managing health and safety systems, compliance audits and planned preventative maintenance schedules.
• Experience leading operational or site teams across different locations.

• A strong track record in contract management, supplier negotiation and procurement, with a clear focus on value for money.
• An understanding of the Academies Trust Handbook and the Department for Education's Good Estate Management for Schools guidance.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively with colleagues at every level.
• A proactive, resilient and structured approach, with the confidence to take ownership, make decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• A full driving licence and the ability to travel regularly between Trust sites.

A qualification in facilities or estates management, such as IWFM, and a health and safety qualification, such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely, would be desirable. Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust, school or public sector environment, and familiarity with compliance management software, would also be advantageous.

Above all, you will share our commitment to working collaboratively, developing people and creating safe, high-quality environments in which our schools and communities can thrive.

Why join Preston Hedges Trust?

Joining Preston Hedges Trust means becoming part of a team committed to making a positive difference across our schools.

You will have the opportunity to shape and improve the way estates and operations are delivered, develop a strong network of site professionals and influence decisions that support the Trust's future growth.

We value Ambition, Drive, Excellence and One Team. We are looking for someone who will bring these values to life through their leadership, professional expertise and commitment to continuous improvement.

If you are a forward-thinking estates and operations professional who enjoys combining strategic planning with practical delivery, we would welcome your application.

Preston Hedges Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. All appointments are subject to successful Disclosure and Barring clearance and any other necessary safeguarding checks, satisfactory references and medical clearance. Please be advised that as per KCSIE 2026 all shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks. Please also be advised we will take up references prior to interview and that one referee must be your last employer.

Our Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be viewed using the following link: Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2026

The school provides equal opportunities to all. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.