Head of Estates

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

If you are looking for an exciting new challenge, Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), a Specialist Mental Health and Community NHS Foundation Trust, is the place for you.

We are currently looking to recruit a Head of Estates on a permanent basis.

The post holder will be responsible for managing the Estates Team and overseeing the Hard FM contract within the Estates & Facilities Directorate to ensure buildings are maintained and managed effectively throughout the Trust. The Head of Estates will provide expert advice, guidance, and leadership at a corporate level on Estates and Hard FM to the Board, as well as supporting all elements of compliance, improvement works, and minor capital projects. Working closely with clinical and non-clinical leads, the post holder will oversee project works, minor improvements, and reactive works requests in accordance with relevant Health & Safety legislation and Trust policies specifically related to the buildings.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation that is passionate about the services it provides.

For further information or an informal discussion about the post, please contact Leigh Stewart on .

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.

Main duties of the job

The Head of Estates will be primarily responsible for the operational contract management and performance monitoring of the hard FM delivery across the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust's estate through its contracted maintenance providers. The post holder will have overall responsibility and accountability for all hard FM aspects across the estate.

The Head of Estates will ensure that the hard FM providers are delivering services in accordance with the relevant statutory/mandatory compliance, as well as HTM guidance as outlined in their contracts. The post holder will also be responsible for the smooth day-to-day operational delivery of all hard FM services, providing both a proactive and reactive service for the Trust.

The Head of Estates will be the Responsible Person for relevant elements of compliance such as asbestos, legionella, LOLER, and pressure systems along with any deemed required for the organisation's legal obligations.

The post holder will provide professional advice and input into estates-related matters and ensure work carried out on behalf of the Trust by contracted parties meets the highest standards. This is a fast-paced role which requires someone able to manage contracts effectively, as well as a hands-on approach to deliver the Trust's services.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health, and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria, and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working; we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and well-being. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time, and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role.

Person Specification Qualifications

• A degree in an engineering/building services discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Chartered Engineer
• Responsible person training to include but not limited to asbestos management, water safety, electrical and gas safety, lifts, pressure systems, HVAC etc.

Knowledge

• Fully conversant with statutory requirements, NHS Estates Guidance, Codes of Practice, the requirements of regulatory bodies, and all statutory legislation.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the strategic implications of Estates Operations to the Trust.

Experience

• Evidence of the ability to provide strategic direction to the operation of the HSIS Estate.
• Evidence of background and experience in contract management of hard FM contractors.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Estates requirements of healthcare buildings.

Personal

• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in dealing with senior personnel, service users, and the general public.
• Demonstrate flexibility to the design process and with other members of a design team.
• Able to work both as a leader and a member of the team.

Skills

• Ability to demonstrate a management style that reflects customer-oriented services.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to influence decision-making and practice.
• Able to demonstrate experience in business planning.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Guild Park
Whittingham
Preston
PR3 2JH

For questions about the job, contact:

Associate Director
Leigh Stewart

Date posted

19 March 2025

Band

Band 8b
£62,215 to £72,293 per annum (subject to confirmation)