Deputy Head of Estates (Band 8a)

Sussex Partnership; Hove; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare trust in Hove seeks a Deputy Head of Estates to provide expert leadership in facilities management. This senior role focuses on overseeing maintenance and compliance for a complex mental health estate. Candidates should have a degree in estates services, strong knowledge of NHS legislation, and proven leadership skills. The position includes contributing to strategic objectives while managing diverse teams and service standards. Flexible working options and generous leave are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in hard estates services.
• Strong knowledge of NHS estates legislation and compliance standards.
• Proven experience in leadership and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert professional and technical leadership across all hard FM services.
• Oversee maintenance across a multi-site estate.
• Ensure compliance with NHS guidance and legislation.
• Lead estates teams across multiple disciplines.
• Develop KPIs and service standards.
• Manage risk and emergency response services.

Skills

Leadership in facilities management

Knowledge of NHS legislation

Budget management

Risk management

Education

Degree-level qualification in hard estates services

Job description

📍 Hove – Mill View (Trust-wide portfolio)

🕒 37.5 hours per week | Flexible working considered

📄 Permanent | On-call rota participation required

📅 Closing date: 4 January 2026

About the role

Following the retirement of the current postholder, we’re looking for a Deputy Head of Estates to join our Estates & Facilities Directorate, playing a key senior role in the strategic and operational delivery of hard facilities services across Sussex Partnership.

This is a high-impact leadership role, supporting a large and complex mental health estate and ensuring our buildings, infrastructure and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

Reporting to the Head of Estates and Minor Works, you’ll be part of the senior operational leadership team, contributing to Trust-wide objectives and service improvement.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing expert professional and technical leadership across all hard FM services
• Overseeing statutory, planned and reactive maintenance across a multi-site estate
• Ensuring full compliance with NHS guidance and statutory legislation
• Leading and managing estates teams across multiple disciplines
• Developing KPIs, service standards and performance frameworks
• Managing risk, emergency response and out-of-hours estates services

You’ll also participate in the Estates & Facilities on‑call rota.

The scale of the estate

You’ll help lead an estate covering:

• Approximately 90,000 sqm (equivalent to 17 football pitches)
• 45 inpatient wards and homes and 702 beds
• Freehold, leasehold and PFI properties

What we’re looking for

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience in hard estates services
• Strong knowledge of NHS estates legislation, compliance and operational standards
• Proven people leadership, performance and budget management experience
• A collaborative, confident and values‑led leadership style

What we can offer you

• Flexible working options where service allows
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Access to wellbeing and psychological support services
• Opportunities to shape services and contribute at a strategic level
• Working for a Trust rated ‘Outstanding’ for Caring by the CQC

How to apply

👉 Click “Apply now” to be redirected to our NHS Trac careers site, where you can complete your application.