Head of Estate Services
3 days ago
Wooburn
Head of Estate ServicesSalary : £74,922 + £5,000 salary supplement + excellent benefitsLocation : Wooburn Green, High Wycombe & Letchworth Garden City (Working across both office locations)Hybrid working : A minimum of 2 days per week in the office or out on visits with the team, 3 days per week working from homeContract : PermanentHours : 37 per weekAre you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?At SettleParadigm, were proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger weve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serveIf you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, wed love to welcome you on our journey. Together, were building a better future.About the roleWe are looking for a Head of Estate Services to lead the delivery of a high performing estate service across our property portfolio. You will provide strategic direction, operational leadership and strong commercial oversight to ensure our estate services meet performance targets, compliance requirements and resident expectations.You will translate organisational strategy into clear operational plans, ensuring teams and contractors deliver efficient, high-quality services. You will lead a large direct labour workforce and manage external contractors, ensuring value for money, strong performance and high standards of delivery. You will also champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across the service.Travel requirementsThis role will be based our of both our High Wycombe and Letchworth Garden City offices. You will support our Estates teams across our entire property portfolio. Additionally, you will be expected to visit our properties, estates, and communal areas along with the wider Estates team. Therefore, a full driving licence and a car for business use, insured for business purposes, are essential.You'll spend your time working from each office depending on the needs of the team.Key responsibilitiesLead the delivery of a high performing estate service across a large and diverse property portfolioTranslate strategic direction into clear operational plans and service delivery modelsProvide visible leadership, driving accountability, collaboration and a motivated cultureManage estate services with full ownership of performance, productivity and resident outcomesEnsure teams meet strategic objectives, commercial targets and improved satisfaction levelsMaintain effective, innovative and up-to-date policies, procedures and systemsReview monthly management data and use analytics to drive performance improvementsManage staff resources and implement performance and development frameworksIdentify opportunities for continuous improvement, including expanding direct labour deliveryOversee direct labour teams delivering grounds, bulk waste and cleaning servicesAct as an escalation point for high-level or complex complaintsWork with senior leaders to develop estate services strategy, including in-house delivery modelsPromote a strong compliance culture and ensure resident voice informs service designProvide accurate monthly reports and presentations to senior leadershipLead projects to deliver measurable service improvementsManage a budget of approximately 4.5 million, ensuring value for money and financial controlEnsure procurement, negotiation and performance management of contractors meets regulatory and corporate standardsMaintain effective operational risk management and assurance processesProvide high-quality performance, compliance and risk reporting to senior leadershipEnsure contractors and supply chain partners deliver safe, compliant and high-quality servicesAbout youExperienceSignificant experience managing teams with a track record of improving performance and efficiencySubstantial experience in contract management, holding contractors to account for performance and value for moneyExperience managing large direct labour organisations delivering front-line servicesExperience procuring large-value service contracts within social housing or public sector environmentsExperience developing and implementing policies and procedures aligned to statutory and regulatory requirementsKnowledgeIn-depth functional expertise and broad business knowledgeFull understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and estate complianceKnowledge of the social housing sectorExperience managing multi-million-pound budgetsSkillsAbility to lead, communicate and manage change effectivelyDecisive, focused and able to inspire confidenceSkilled at interpreting performance data to drive improvementStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to motivate and delegate effectivelyStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to persuade, negotiate and influencePositive, driven and committed to achieving business outcomesOtherEducated to degree level or equivalent, or substantial management experience in DLO and maintenance contractsFull UK driving licenceIOSH Managing SafelyCIH Level 5 or willingness to work towards (desirable)NEBOSH General Certificate (desirable)BenefitsAt SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.Annual salary: £74,922 + £5,000 salary supplement per annum30 days holiday , plus Christmas closure and buy optionsGenerous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrificeFamily-friendly leave : Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leaveHealth cash plan claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)Life cover and income protectionFlexible working hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV chargingAnd thats just the beginning! Were also thrilled to provide:Mental Health First Aiders available to supportCar leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships3 paid volunteering days in the local communitiesPeer-recognition rewards platformPaid professional subscription (one per year)Working Hours37 hours per weekMonday - FridayOur CommitmentWe are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.Accessibility and AdjustmentsWe are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and well always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.Closing Date: 17th of September, 2026.We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.TPBN1_UKTJ