Head of Estates

The Bosco Catholic Education Trust

Head of Estates

Salary: £70K-£75K per annum (negotiable upon experience)

The Bosco Catholic Education Trust are seeking to appoint to the newly created post of Head of Estates. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced estates professional to play a pivotal role in providing an inspiring learning environment within our growing family of schools.

About Us

The Bosco Catholic Education Trust was formed in April 2017 to serve all 33 schools across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. There are currently 11 schools (2 Secondary and 8 Primary) within the Trust, all judged as Good or Outstanding. There are a further 7 schools in the process of joining in the next 18 months.

The Trust exists to serve the schools – not the other way around We feel fortunate to work with such a great group of Headteachers who, without exception, are very positive about collaboration and working within the Trust family of schools. We also have a strong Board of Trustees and enjoy a very good relationship with the Diocese.

About the role

As Head of Estates, you will provide operational and strategic leadership of all aspects relating to the management of school estates, including due diligence on schools due to come into the Trust. You will plan and execute building works and refurbishments; project manage building design for all sites and act as lead on asset management and maintenance planning. Working closely with the CEO, CFO, school Heads and business managers you will ensure school sites are fit for purpose, operate efficiently and are compliant and will identify commercial opportunities to maximise income generation.

About You

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, inspiring and inclusive leader, with demonstrable experience of leading estates management across a comparable estate portfolio. You will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and hold qualification in a property/built environment related discipline (architecture, building, engineering, facilities management, or surveying) and a recognised Health and Safety Qualification e.g. IOSH Managing Safely.

For us, finding the right person isn’t just about their experience and qualifications. We are looking for someone who really buys into our ethos and is a great people-person with high levels of emotional intelligence.

It is imperative however that you are able to demonstrate an ability to lead well and have a good strategic oversight, whilst still being willing to roll up your sleeves This is a full-time post, based at our Trust offices at St Paul’s in Burgess Hill, although you’ll spend much of your time visiting schools in the Trust.

If you already work in a Catholic school, then you will know they are very special places to be. Our faith is central to all we do. If you have never worked in a Catholic school or educational environment, please don’t be put off An appreciation of the faith life of the Trust is important, but all are welcome here. You’ll soon feel very much part of the family

How to apply

For more information, including the Candidate Brochure and details of the application process, please contact Sian Gardiner or Michael Hewlett from our retained advisors at MRG Schools Leadership.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 16th February 2025