Head of Estates Operations

Head of Estate Operations

We are seeking an exceptional and proactive leader to join our senior management team as Head of Estate Operations. You will have full strategic and operational responsibility for a diverse property portfolio, ensuring all sites are safe, compliant, and maintained to the highest standards. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams and drive operational excellence to support our wider business goals.

The successful applicant will be joining the Constabulary at an exciting time following the recent completion of our £70m new Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and approval of a wide-ranging Estates Strategy that they will be actively involved in delivering.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Manage day-to-day facilities and estates operations across multiple sites, ensuring maximum efficiency and high-quality service delivery.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure strict adherence to all statutory, regulatory, and health and safety requirements, including building compliance (fire safety, HVAC, water hygiene).
• Maintenance & Strategy: Develop and deliver planned and reactive maintenance programmes, asset management plans, and capital works projects.
• Financial Control: Oversee the operational budget, identifying efficiencies and ensuring cost-effective maintenance and contractor management.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of internal staff and manage external contractors and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record in a senior estates, facilities, or property management leadership role, preferably within a complex environment.
• Qualifications: A relevant qualification in Estates Management, Building Surveying, or Facilities Management (e.g., IWFM).
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of statutory compliance frameworks, including Health & Safety regulations.
• Leadership Skills: Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the future of our estate transformation and modernisation projects.
• Flexible working options available.

Additional Advert Information

Internal Applicants

• To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period.
• If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert.

Vetting Process

Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18).

Examples of when this may apply include:

• Transferring to another force
• Renewing vetting clearance
• Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
• Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals.

If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application.

Redeployment and Redundancy

This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted.

Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.

Role Profile

We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes.

Commitment to Inclusion

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.

For more information on the Competency Values Framework (CVF) please click HERE

Help us deliver outstanding policing for everyone

We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.

Why Choose a Career in Policing?

Hertfordshire Constabulary is recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population.

If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career—where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences—then we want to hear from you.

What We Offer

We’re proud to support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
• Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
• Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
• Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
• Carers and Discretionary Leave
• Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
• Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
• Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
• Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
• Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
• Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
• Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under-represented in policing, including:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• People of all ages and abilities
• All faiths and religions
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds

All applications are assessed fairly and based on the evidence you provide and your suitability for the role.