Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services)

Nhsayrshireandarran; Scotland; On-site; GBP 103,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Scotland is seeking a transformative leader for the role of Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services). This pivotal position involves strategic oversight of a multi-site portfolio, managing services to enhance patient care and facilitate sustainability initiatives. The ideal candidate must have a Master's degree and a proven track record of change within complex structures. A full UK driving licence is required as work across various sites is essential. This role presents a unique opportunity to influence healthcare infrastructure profoundly.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of successful organisational change and transformation in a large, complex organisation.
• Ability to articulate 'big picture thinking' and translate corporate strategy into operational reality.
• A strong commitment to the values of Caring, Safe, and Respectful.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic direction and operational management across a complex, multi-site portfolio.
• Lead the modernisation of service delivery to meet changing demographics and financial sustainability.
• Oversee critical functions including Estates, Catering, Domestic Services, Portering, and more.

Skills

Transformational leadership

Strategic vision

Negotiation skills

Motivating multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services)

Salary Band 8D £103,674 - £108,206

Close Date - 25/1/26

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

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is seeking a visionary Assistant Director to lead our Estates and Support Services. This is a pivotal strategic role within the Infrastructure and Support Services Directorate, responsible for a workforce of over 1,000 staff and a revenue budget of £62m. We are looking for a leader who can drive reform, champion the "Once for Ayrshire" principle, and ensure our physical environment actively facilitates healing and wellbeing for our patients and staff.

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.

• 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.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job

We are looking for a high‑calibre leader with a proven track record of successful organisational change and transformation in a large, complex organisation (NHS or wider public sector experience is essential). You need to demonstrate:

• Qualifications: Educated to Master’s degree level (or equivalent) with a relevant professional or management qualification.
• Strategic Vision: The ability to articulate "big picture thinking" and translate corporate strategy into operational reality.
• Leadership: Demonstrable transformational leadership skills, with the ability to motivate multi‑disciplinary teams and negotiate complex change with senior stakeholders.
• Values: A strong commitment to the NHS Ayrshire & Arran values of being Caring, Safe, and Respectful.
• Full UK Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence is essential for this role as you will be required to work 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].