Head of Estates and Health and Safety

Head of Estates and Health & Safety

Location: Henley-on-Thames

Salary: £49,920 to £54,549 subject to experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Reporting to: Finance Director

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Estates and Health & Safety to lead and manage all aspects of estates, facilities, and health and safety across the College.

This is a role with strategic and operational responsibility for delivering a safe, compliant, high-quality and sustainable learning environment for students, staff and visitors. Working closely with the Finance Director and senior leaders, you will play a key role in transforming and maintaining the College estate in line with our Estates Strategy and Strategic Plan.

You will lead the estates team and manage key contractors, ensuring excellent standards of maintenance, health & safety compliance, and value for money across all areas of the estate.

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Main Responsibilities

Strategic Estates Leadership

• Deliver the objectives of the College Estates Strategy and contribute to long-term estate planning

• Produce and manage annual planned maintenance and development schedules

• Prepare reports for Senior Leadership Team and Governors on estates performance, compliance and sustainability

Learning Environment & College Image

• Ensure the College provides a welcoming, safe, clean and professional environment at all times

• Develop and implement minimum standards for all teaching, learning and communal spaces

• Maximise space utilisation and support the efficient, creative use of facilities

• Support the smooth delivery of college events and activities

Facilities, Maintenance & Projects

• Oversee day-to-day management, security and maintenance of buildings and grounds

• Develop and manage a robust Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme

• Lead refurbishment and capital projects from procurement through to evaluation

• Manage estates budgets and contracts, ensuring compliance, quality and value for money

Health & Safety Leadership

• Act as the College’s competent person for health and safety

• Develop, implement and monitor health & safety policies, procedures and risk assessments

• Chair the Health & Safety Committee and drive a positive safety culture

• Lead on fire safety, business continuity planning, emergency procedures and incident investigations

• Oversee first aid provision, training, compliance and equipment

Team Leadership & Compliance

• Line manage and develop the estates team

• Work closely with Finance to maintain the asset register

• Ensure compliance with college policies, safeguarding, equality, GDPR and statutory requirements

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About You

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in estates/facilities management or a related discipline

• Recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent)

• Proven experience of delivering estates or capital projects on time and within budget

• Strong track record of health & safety leadership beyond basic compliance

• Experience of line management and contractor management

• Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment

Desirable:

• Experience within an education or public-sector setting

• Understanding of how estates support the learner journey

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Why Join Us?

The Henley College is a leading sixth form college, serving young people and adult learners across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Located in the heart of Henley-on-Thames, we are a vibrant, inclusive organisation with around 250 dedicated staff.

Our values — High Expectations, Enterprise, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork (HEART) — are at the centre of everything we do.

As part of our team, you will benefit from:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Free onsite gym and 40% discount at Henley Leisure Centre

• Free car parking and excellent public transport links

• On-site cafés

• 24/7 wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Programme

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

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The Henley College is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

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