South East Essex Academy Trust (SEEAT), a family of 9 schools, is looking for a dynamic, experienced Head of Estates to join our central team. This new role has been created to support the continuing growth of the Trust - our number of schools has more than doubled in the last three years and there is likely to be further significant growth in the coming year. A local trust comprising four large secondary schools is seeking to join SEEAT. Both Boards have approved the transfer 'in principle', subject to due diligence, which is now underway. You would therefore be joining SEEAT at a significant point in our history.

As Head of Estates, you will ensure excellence in managing our estates and facilities. You will provide strategic leadership and operational management across our schools, ensuring the facilities are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with our vision for sustainable, effective, and high-quality learning environments. Whether you are an exceptional Estates or Facilities manager looking for the next step in your career or an existing Head of Estates looking for a new challenge, this is an exciting opportunity to develop and implement a comprehensive Estates, Health & Safety, and Sustainability strategy for SEEAT.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the Trust’s Estates and Facilities strategy in alignment with the Good Estates Management for Schools (GEMS) framework.
  
• Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations and health and safety requirements across the Trust.
  
• Oversee significant capital projects, manage budgets, and deliver cost-effective maintenance and facilities solutions.
  
• Manage relationships with external agencies, including contractors, consultants, and PFI partners, ensuring effective facilities management and maximum value for the Trust.
  
• Provide guidance and support to school-based estates teams, ensuring consistency and quality in estate management.
  
• Implementing a Trust-wide Sustainability Plan.
  

Who We’re Looking For:

• A team-player who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty (sometimes literally!)
• Proven experience in estates/facilities management, ideally within a multi-site or educational setting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience managing teams, projects, and external contracts.
• Expertise in Health and Safety, compliance, and statutory regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets effectively and deliver best value.
  
• Commitment to sustainability and developing environmentally responsible practices across our schools.
  

You will be working at the very heart of our ambitious central team and will be a key point of contact for the SEEAT Executive team, Trustees, Chairs of Governors, Headteachers, and external stakeholders so it is essential that you have strong interpersonal skills and that your personal values align with our Trust ethos. In return, we can offer flexible working in an interesting environment where no day is the same. Please see our electronic recruitment pack for more details.

The post is advertised as full time and based at The Deanes, however the nature of the role means that travel to all SEEAT schools should be expected, so the successful postholder must have the ability to travel between all of our schools, ideally with a full UK driving license. However, we can be flexible with working hours and hybrid working arrangements.   

All applicants will be contacted to have an informal chat with us before shortlisting, and you are encouraged to arrange a visit to some of our sites in advance of interviews, but if you'd like to arrange a conversation before applying please don’t hesitate to contact Jade Blackburn, Director of People, on 07858 376941 or email hr@seeat.org.