Estates Operations Manager (Band 8A)

Post Purpose/Summary: The Estates Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operational management of the Trust’s estate. This role ensures that all buildings, engineering systems, roadways, and grounds are maintained to NHS and statutory standards to provide a safe, high-quality environment for patient care.

Location: Shrewsbury

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £34 per hour Umbrella or £30 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital 

Core Responsibilities

• Service Delivery & Maintenance: Lead the delivery of a safe, efficient, and patient-focused maintenance service. This includes managing both planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and reactive repairs using in-house teams and external contractors.
• Technical Expertise & Compliance: Act as a subject matter expert and Authorised/Responsible Person (AP/RP) for critical systems (e.g., Medical Gases, HV/LV Electrical Safety, Water Safety/Legionella, and Specialist Ventilation). Ensure strict adherence to HTMs, ACoPs, and HSE guidance.
• Strategic Planning: Develop local operational plans and maintenance programmes that align with the Trust’s business objectives. Identify long-term strategies to maximize asset life and minimize operating costs.
• Risk & Safety Management: Maintain the Estates Risk Register and oversee statutory compliance (e.g., Asbestos, Waste Management). Ensure robust Risk Assessments, Method Statements (RAMS), and business continuity plans are in place.

Leadership & Resource Management

• Team Leadership: Provide direct line management to Assistant Estates Managers and their teams. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and transparent communication within a trade unionized environment.
• Financial Oversight: Manage delegated budgets and expenditure. Implement cost-improvement targets and efficiency initiatives in line with Lord Carter of Coles recommendations and the Trust’s Internal Efficiency Programme (IEP).
• Contract & Project Liaison: Procure and manage specialist service contracts. Collaborate with the Capital Projects team to ensure new installations are fit-for-purpose and effectively commissioned.
• Sustainability: Optimize plant and equipment operations to minimize energy and utility consumption in collaboration with the Environment and Compliance leads.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Professional Development

• Education: Degree in Building Services/Engineering plus specialist knowledge to Masters equivalent level.
• Management: Certificate/Diploma in Management Studies or equivalent.
• Health & Safety: Accredited training (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely).
• Professional Status: Possess or working towards Chartered Status or membership of a professional institution (e.g., IHEEM).
• Technical Skills: Proficient IT skills (MS Office/CAFM systems) and commitment to ongoing Authorised Person training.

Experience & Knowledge

• Healthcare Operations: Significant experience managing hospital engineering systems and HTM requirements in a complex healthcare environment.
• Workforce Management: Substantial experience managing directly employed trade staff and external contractors.
• Change Management: Proven ability to manage organizational change and service improvement.
• Commercial/Finance: Expertise in estates budget control, procurement best practices, and contract management.