Head of Estates and Technical Services

Head of Estates and Technical Services, Thanet, Kent

This role is responsible for leading and managing the Estates and Technical Services function across multiple operational sites within the East Kent area. The position supports frontline public services by ensuring that the estate, plant, and equipment operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with statutory, mandatory, and technical regulations.

The Estates Department provides essential services including maintenance, cleaning, catering, procurement, logistics, and other facilities functions vital to the delivery of high-quality public services.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Estates to lead the Technical Solutions Department, ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of several key sites - based at the Kent and Canterbury and managing two ancillary locations in Folkestone and Dover.

This role is critical to maintaining service delivery by managing estate assets, infrastructure, and technical systems safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of managerial, technical, and administrative staff of approximately 30+, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement. The remit includes maintenance, compliance, projects, lifecycle planning, and performance management through KPIs, SLAs, and other key metrics.

As the technical lead, you will provide strategic advice, develop and implement solutions, manage budgets, oversee procurement, and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

You will also participate in the on-call rota, attending sites outside normal working hours as required.

• Lead, manage, and develop a team delivering estate and technical services across multiple operational sites.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory, mandatory, and technical regulations, providing assurance to senior leadership and the Board.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, project delivery, and lifecycle planning for all estate assets.
• Manage KPIs, SLAs, budgets, reporting, procurement, and helpdesk operations.
• Provide expert technical advice and develop solutions that support operational and organisational needs.
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance, effective use of CAFM and BMS systems, and adherence to all relevant regulatory and building standards.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a culture of excellent customer service within the estates function.
• Participate in the on-call rota to support incidents, emergency planning, and contingency management.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience in a mechanical and electrical estates management environment, preferably within a large or complex organisation, with at least five years in a management role.
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, supported by specialist knowledge through postgraduate or professional development.
• Membership of a recognised Building Services professional body (e.g. CIBSE, IHEEM, IWFM).
• Authorised Person status in one or more disciplines: electrical systems, medical gases, water systems, ventilation, boilers, or power generation.
• Strong knowledge of health technical standards, building regulations, and project management processes, including asbestos, water management, and COSHH compliance.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, staff performance, and complex technical projects.
• Excellent communication, numeracy, and IT skills (including CAFM, BMS, CAD, and reporting systems).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills

• Strong problem-solving ability with sound mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, contractors, and staff in a complex, multi-site environment.
• Customer-focused, professional, and solution-oriented approach.

• Salary Range £60,000 to £67,000
• Generous annual leave allowance with the opportunity to buy or sell leave.
• Pension scheme participation.
• Onsite childcare facilities (where available).
• Staff communication and wellbeing platforms.
• Discounted on-site catering.
• Eligibility for a public sector discount card and associated staff benefits.