Director of Estates and Facilities – 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Salary: £104,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time, 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

Lead with purpose. Shape the future. Build spaces that empower lives.

About St Elizabeths

Set in 60 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, St Elizabeths is a national charity supporting children, young people, and adults with complex needs including epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities, and health conditions.

Our integrated site is home to a School, College, residential care, supported living, and on‑site health services. Everything we do is underpinned by our values: Aspirational, Collaborative, Joyful, and Compassionate.

About The Role

This is a strategic leadership opportunity to shape the future of a multi‑disciplinary, regulated estate across education, health, and social care. As Director of Estates and Facilities, you will lead the long‑term vision for our infrastructure, ensuring our spaces remain safe, future‑proof, and aligned with the ambitions of a growing organisation.

You will oversee major capital projects, environmental strategy, digital transformation of estates systems, and ongoing compliance across all services. You will also consider how our estate can adapt and evolve to support growth from off‑site provision to new care models, ensuring we are fully prepared for future regulation, climate impact, and service transformation.

Key Strategic Priorities

Growth & Scalability

• Shape an estate strategy that supports future expansion into new geographies and service models.
• Plan infrastructure for off‑site and outreach services in care and education.

Regulatory & Inspection Readiness

• Ensure robust, inspection‑ready environments in line with CQC, Ofsted, HSE, and SEND standards.
• Build a culture of proactive compliance across all sites.

Digital Transformation

• Drive adoption of CAFM systems and smart building technologies.
• Use data to enable predictive maintenance, optimise space use, and enhance safety.

Sustainability & Net Zero

• Lead decarbonisation and retrofit initiatives aligned to net‑zero goals.
• Secure external funding (e.g., Salix) to enable sustainable, future‑facing development.

Risk & Resilience

• Develop estate‑wide business continuity and emergency plans.
• Address risks posed by ageing infrastructure, service disruption, and climate change.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with service users, families, regulators, and commissioners.
• Ensure estate design and decisions reflect the needs of vulnerable individuals and inclusive practice.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for a standout leader who blends technical excellence with strategic vision and is ready to make a meaningful difference through place, design, and leadership.

Essential Experience and Qualities

• Proven experience in a senior estates or facilities leadership role.
• A track record of delivering high‑value capital projects and master planning across multi‑site estates.
• Strong understanding of compliance frameworks and regulated services (e.g., Ofsted, CQC, HSE).
• Passion for sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive estate design.
• Inspirational leadership with the ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable: Professional qualifications (e.g., RICS, CIOB, IWFM) or experience in health, education, or social care settings.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a unique charity with a proud history and bold ambitions. You will be joining a values‑driven Executive Team, leading one of our most critical functions at a time of real growth and innovation.

We Offer

• Annual leave: 30 days plus service‑related increases.
• Health: Bupa private medical cover.
• Pension: Generous contributory scheme.
• Wellbeing: Employee assistance, free parking, subsidised meals, and a beautiful countryside campus.
• Development: A culture that invests in leadership, professional growth, and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to shape one of the UK's most distinctive models of integrated education, care and health provision.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short supporting statement via our website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.

St Elizabeths is committed to diversity, inclusion and safeguarding. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS clearance and reference checks.