Assistant Director Estates and Support Services

Nhsayrshireandarran; Ayr; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Scotland is seeking an Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services) to lead strategic transformation and operational management across diverse services. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree, demonstrates proven success in organizational change, and possesses strong transformational leadership skills. Responsibilities include overseeing various critical functions and spearheading sustainability initiatives. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to drive change within the healthcare infrastructure in Ayrshire.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful organizational change and transformation.
• Ability to articulate big picture thinking and translate strategy into operational reality.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of Estates and Support Services strategies.
• Oversee critical functions aligning with corporate objectives.
• Spearhead response to Climate Emergency and energy efficiency programmes.

Skills

Transformational leadership

Strategic vision

Organizational change

Communication

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services)

Are you a transformative leader ready to shape the future of healthcare infrastructure in Ayrshire?

What You Will Do

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide high-level strategic direction and operational management across a complex, multi-site portfolio. You will not just manage the status quo, you will lead the modernisation of service delivery to meet the challenges of changing demographics and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Transformation: Leading the development and implementation of the Estates and Support Services strategies, driving organisational change and benefits realisation across the Board.
• Service Excellence: Overseeing critical functions including Estates, Catering, Domestic Services, Portering, Security, Waste Management, Transport, and the Central Decontamination Unit, ensuring they align with NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s corporate objectives.
• Sustainability Leadership: Spearheading our response to the Climate Emergency, leading the "Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy" and energy efficiency programmes to meet national Net Zero targets.
• Asset Management: Ensuring the safety, statutory compliance, and quality of an estate valued at £368m.
• Partnership: Integrating services with Health & Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), other Health Boards and external stakeholders to deliver best value.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to Master’s degree level (or equivalent) with a relevant professional or management qualification.
• Proven track record of successful organisational change and transformation in a large, complex organisation (NHS or wider public sector experience essential).
• Strategic vision: The ability to articulate "big picture thinking" and translate corporate strategy into operational reality.
• Transformational leadership skills, with the ability to motivate multi-disciplinary teams and negotiate complex change with senior stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to the NHS Ayrshire & Arran values of being Caring, Safe, and Respectful.
• Full UK driving licence, essential for working across various sites.

If you want to find out more about the role, please contact:

Nicola Graham, Director of Infrastructure and Support Services
[e-mail].

Recruitment Timeline

• Post Closes – 25th January
• Shortlisting – w/c 26th January
• Interviews – w/c 16th February

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.