Head of Estate Operations

Head of Estate Operations

Location: Welwyn Garden City (HQ) – Office-based initially, with flexible and hybrid working options available

Salary: £70,860 - £89,826 per annum (inclusive of a 10% Market Rate Supplement, reviewed annually)

Note: Annual pay award currently pending, anticipated circa 3%.

Grade: A7

Department: Estates and Facilities / Professional

Vetting Level: Management Vetting (MV)

About the Role

Are you a proven, strategic Facilities and Estate Operations leader looking to make a direct impact on public safety and community well-being?

Hertfordshire Constabulary is seeking an experienced Head of Estate Operations to lead, transform, and manage our operational estate. In this pivotal senior management role, you will hold direct responsibility for ensuring our diverse portfolio of owned and leased properties operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with statutory legislation.

Reporting directly to the Director of Estates and Facilities, you will oversee both strategic planning and daily operational delivery—ensuring our facilities effectively support frontline operational policing while achieving best value for money.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Accountable for the operational estate, driving collaboration across departments to ensure effective delivery in line with organizational policies.
  
• Statutory Compliance & H&S: Maintain rigorous compliance standards across all property assets. Identify emerging legislation, perform physical audits, and implement processes to manage and report on risk effectively.
  
• Financial & Commercial Management: Oversee a £2.0m direct and £9.0m indirect budget. Manage procurement, invoice validation, cash flow forecasting, and contract performance (KPIs/SLAs) across total facilities management (TFM) framework agreements.
  
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Director of Estates and Facilities on long-term estate strategy, and collaborate with the Head of Capital Projects to design specifications aligned with the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Sustainability Charter.
  
• Continuous Improvement: Audit reactive works to identify failure trends, develop remedial strategies, and optimize continuous service improvement.
  
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and empower departmental staff, conducting PDRs and promoting organic career development within the Estates team.
  

What We Are Looking For

Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

• Degree in Facilities Management OR a time-served Engineering Apprenticeship with a Trade Qualification in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (ONC/OND/BTEC Level 3).
  
• NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
  
• Management/Business qualification (Minimum Level 4, e.g., BTEC Professional Certificate).
  
• Professional membership in a relevant industry body (e.g., IWFM/BIFM, RICS, or CIOB).
  

Experience & Skills:

• Senior Management Experience: Managing a Total Facilities Management (TFM) model, including hard and soft services (engineering maintenance, cleaning, catering, waste management, security, grounds, etc.).
  
• Financial & Project Acumen: Proven track record in managing substantial budgets and delivering capital works/refurbishments. Strong understanding of CDM regulations, Planning, and Building Control.
  
• Client-Side Leadership: Experience managing diverse work programs, contractor performance, and growth opportunities within high-density sites.
  
• Licence Requirement: A valid UK Driving Licence (required to travel across regional sites).
  

Why Join Us?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Every decision you make directly supports operational policing and community safety across Hertfordshire.
  
• Competitive Package: High-value salary package including a 10% Market Rate Supplement (reviewed annually) plus a pending pay award.
  
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible working options following initial onboarding and orientation at HQ.
  
• Pension & Benefits: Access to a generous local government pension scheme, health and wellness initiatives, and staff support networks.
  

Additional Information

• Vetting: This post is subject to Management Vetting (MV) checks.
  
• Medical Assessment: Appointment may be subject to pre-employment health screening.
  

What next?

Are you interested in this role? Click Apply Now! You will then be directed to attach your CV and answer a few questions about your experience.