Head of Estates - Twickenham, United Kingdom - Ascension Catholic Academy Trust

Description

Contract details: 3 days per week, fixed term contract for 2 years initially, with the expectation for this becoming a permanent role as the Trust expands. Potential to combine with another suitable role within our Trust based on experience.


Salary:
£50k-£60k full time equivalent


Closing date:24 May 2024, Interviews week commencing 3rd June 2024

Ascension Catholic Academy Trust (ACAT) is a relatively new Multi Academy Trust comprising two Catholic secondary schools and four Catholic primaries serving in excess of 3400 pupils and is an employer of nearly 400 staff.

We need an intelligent, dynamic and versatile person to join our Central Team within which you will be our Estates expert.

You will play a vital role in ensuring ACAT's school buildings are at least fit for purpose, so we need someone who is not only highly capable and solution-focused, but also a team player prepared to do anything that is asked of them, knowing that it wouldn't be anything any of our team wouldn't be prepared to do too.

Key responsibilities will include providing good estates management advice and guidance to our Board of Directors, project management, administrative support for the Central Team - currently comprising a CEO, CFO/COO, HR manager, Finance manager and Estates lead.

If you are passionate about education, have a positive attitude and are ready to take on a new challenge, we want to hear from you.

Join our team and make a real difference in the lives of our students and staff.

For more information and an initial conversation, please call and speak to our CFO/COO Anna Fisher, or even better, make an appointment to come and visit us in person in Twickenham.

This is a varied job description but is negotiable - it provides an honest framework which can be discussed.

We offer a supportive and attractive working culture, a flexible working arrangement in terms of working hours, a competitive salary, and a willingness to ensure you are professionally developed.

This is initially a part time position - however, we are flexible and more interested in your calibre and potential and as we are an expanding Trust there may be the opportunity to combine with another central or school based role.

Job description
The Estates Lead plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing the ACAT estate.

This role requires a combination of strategic planning, operational oversight, and strong leadership skills to ensure that ACAT's physical assets are effectively maintained and utilised to support its educational mission.

The Estate Lead will report directly to the CFO/COO.


Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement a strategic plan for the management and development of ACAT's estate in alignment with the overall goals and objectives of ACAT.

Inevitably this means identifying areas most in need of development and prioritising activities to achieve these objectives.

Asset Management:
Maintain an accurate inventory of all ACAT-owned properties. Develop and implement processes for the effective management and utilisation of these assets.

Facilities Maintenance:

Oversee the maintenance and repair of all ACAT facilities to ensure they are safe, functional, and compliant with relevant regulations and standards.

Coordinate with school premises teams, contractors, vendors, and other internal staff as necessary.

Health and Safety Compliance:
Ensure that all trust facilities meet health and safety requirements and adhere to relevant legislation. Develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate risks and promote a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Budget Management:

Develop and manage the estate budget (including the School Allocation Allowance-SCA) ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support maintenance, repairs, renovations, and other capital projects.

Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings or efficiencies.

Environmental Sustainability:

Implement initiatives to promote environmental sustainability within ACAT's estate, including energy efficiency measures, waste reduction programs, and sustainable building practices.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate with school leaders, staff, Directors, the Diocese of Westminster, the Funding Agency and other stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities regarding estate management.

Communicate effectively with stakeholders to keep them informed and engaged in decision-making processes.

Advise the Board of Directors and CEO on estate legislation, regulations, policies and best practices to ensure effective estate management across ACAT.

Compliance and Reporting:
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures related to estate management.

Prepare regular reports for the CFO/COO, Trust Board, and other stakeholders on the status of the estate and progress toward strategic objectives.

Ensure compliance with statutory legislation inc