Northumberland College
Head of Estates - Northumberland
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Head of Estates - Northumberland
Estates - Ashington Campus
- Location: Northumberland
- Salary: £44,699 to £47,421 per annum
- Post Type: Full Time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 06 August 2026
- Reference: 0453-26-R2
About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
As an outstanding college we're looking to recruit an outstanding and experienced leader with a strong background in Facilities Management and Leadership.
The successful individual will take responsibility for the delivery of Estates day to day functions within Northumberland college with sites located at Ashington, Kirkley Hall and Berwick. Responsible for staff based at multiple sites you must be prepared to travel within the region, supporting, developing and guiding staff as required. A good appreciation of Facilities Management SOFT services is critical as is a good understanding of the associated statutory compliance and workplace health and safety.
You should have experience of leading and managing a team and be an individual who is prepared to ‘roll up their sleeves’ when required. Team working and motivating individuals within a busy environment are important factors as is the ability to establish relationships and priorities with internal stakeholders.
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Contractor selection, engagement and management will be key in delivering the departments strategy, hence your experience should help drive contractor performance whilst a keen eye for detail and financial spend will ensure a quality product is delivered on time, every time.
Reporting into the Director of Capital Projects and Estates you will have the opportunity to be involved in shaping the departments strategy in addition to taking a leading role as our new Ashington Campus comes on line later in the year. Previous experience of change, performance and project management are essential as is a track record in 'making a difference'. The post requires someone with experience, commitment, flexibility and resilience as EPNE continues to be outstanding. its journey towards excellence. Excellent communication and IT skills coupled with a focus on delivery, staff development and departmental team working are a ‘must’ as all roads lead to delivering an outstanding experience for our students.
About The Role
- Lead and develop a team with the required skills, training and knowledge required to prioritise and deliver a quality service / product effectively and efficiently.
- Ensure standards and compliance are maintained to the highest level across all Northumberland College sites.
- Lead and assist in the delivery of projects as and when required.
- Lead and guide a team to deliver departmental improvements in processes, performance and working practices.
- Manage and promote all aspects to health and safety, both within the in-house and the contracted resource ensuring all work is safely completed.
- Develop a ‘right first time’ culture both with in-house resource and contracted staff, ensuring limitations and expected standards are explicit.
Role Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Estates Director in the delivery of the estates service including both small and large scale projects – achieving high quality results cost effectively.
- Provide leadership and direction to managers / team leaders / staff within estates through regular communication forums including briefing sessions, toolbox talks and 1 to 1’s. Promote the support and development of staff through appraisal, training and development programmes.
- Assist in the preparation, assessment and issuing of tenders for major projects of work, supervise installation works through to completion - ensuring work is delivered to exacti.
- Manage contractor relationships to maintain high levels of service and response times whilst adhering to the college’s financial guidelines. Ensure all appointed contractors comply with college requirements in terms of health and safety, insurance and safe systems of work.
- Ensure each college campus is resourced appropriately to meet business demands ensuring sites are available for both curriculum and commercial activities.
- Work with peers to ensure Northumberland College sites are maintained and compliant to the required health and safety standards and legislation.
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Qualifications
- Relevant management training / qualification or experience
- Level 2 Qualifications in Maths and English
- Health & Safety Qualification – NEBOSH / IOSH
- Asbestos Qualification
- A valid driving licence
Essential Skills & Experience
- Knowledge of Facilities Management SOFT services
- Previous experience of working within a Facilities Management / Estates position
- Management of contracts and contractors
- Leadership / Managing a team
- Delivery of medium to large projects
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
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