Head of Estates (Director/Senior level, Hard FM Integrator model)

Job Introduction

As Head of Estates, you'll act as a key member of the Innovation Board. 

Are you an authentic leader with significant experience of managing diverse property portfolios including the development and delivery of estate strategies? We're seeking Head of Estates to join our new integrator FM model based contract, based London with UK travel

Working in partnership with the Authority to implement the short, long and medium term objectives of the Estates strategy, you'll utilise intelligence and market insight through a team of dedicated Estate specialists.

We are proud to have been awarded this exciting new Government contract with a large scale property portfolio and are seeking facilities management professionals, ideally with managing agent/integrator model experience  You'll also support the transformation and change management this new contract will bring.

Our wealth of experience means we are able to transfer best practices from the corporate sector to create better working environments in the public sector. We bring services that increase employee engagement, wellbeing and productivity to the public sector to help support government to deliver on its promised outcomes while reducing costs.

Our goal is to improve service outcomes and reduce overall costs to the taxpayer.

Role Responsibility

• Oversee the delivery of Estate services supported by service operations or other internal teams - engaging and involving internal stakeholders and putting mechanisms in place to coordinate and manage service delivery so that it is seamless and represents “one Sodexo team” to the client.
• Build and lead a team of direct reports both onsite and remote teams ensuring they are given strategic direction, that HR processes are followed; the team are developed and engaged.
• Manage a total cost of ownership for each site within the estate and work with all members of the management team to ensure best value is delivered to the Authority, in addition to Consolidation of total occupancy costs and delivery of total cost of occupancy within budget
• Work closely with account management, asset management and project management teams
• Manage acquisitions and disposals (delivered through third parties) and manage lease events (delivered through third parties)
• Input into the ongoing organisational design required to deliver Estate services aligned with the integrator/managing agent model, redefining as required to suit client requirements and internal resources.
• Input and participation in client contract negotiations both in the initial bid phase and future contract
• Ensure the account is performing within the agreed SLAs and contractual terms at all times to meet Sodexo commitments, in addition to Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation ensuring the statutory requirements are met and all records maintained
• Ensure all areas of the contract perform to budget and that business plans are achieved, in addition to improving financial performance
• Continuously seek ways to enhance quality through innovation and cost efficiency by monitoring performance against existing standards
• Conduct client reviews on performance on a monthly basis.
• Work in collaboration with Service Operations, SPS and other Sodexo units to develop systems and processes which will efficiently and effectively deliver client requirements.  Manage senior client expectations around the future development of the DWP account

Please note:  this role is not a standard Operational FM role

*Please see attached job description for full details

The Ideal Candidate

• Comprehensive experience in the RE/Property industry
• Significant proven experience of managing diverse property portfolios including the development and delivery of estate strategies
• Strong financial acumen
• Management experience at a senior level with authentic leadership
• Proven track record delivering material cost savings through effective estate management             
• Strong skills and experience in managing projects – so that plans are well executed and that stakeholders are fully engaged
• Experience of working in both Public and Private sectors
• Experience of working in a multi-site complex estate
• RICS or similar professional qualification
• Desired knowledge of the FM estate industries
• Strong organisational skills & ability to prioritise & manage complex projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to work with people at all levels and across functions
• Client focussed mind set and able to build client relationships at all levels
• Using persuasion and influence to win support for the benefit of the business
• Self-motivated, proactive and work well under pressure
• Flexible and able to cope with ambiguity
• Team player
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills

Package Description

Competitive salary + benefits including car/car allowance, bonus, pension, flexible benefits scheme etc

As part of our commitment to improving the quality of life for our employees, Sodexo offers a Flexible Benefits Scheme, allowing you to tailor a reward package to suit your needs which includes a technology scheme, private dental insurance, travel insurance, gym membership, Gourmet card, private medical insurance and the ability to purchase or sell annual leave to name but a few.

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to further engage ex-forces personnel and reservists.  Those applying for roles with us who meet the essential criteria advertised under the ‘ideal candidate’ on the vacancy advertised are guaranteed to progress within the selection process.