Stewardship. Heritage. Impact.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Facilities & Estates to take custodianship of a unique and irreplaceable estate within Winchester city centre.

This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership, technical expertise and purpose-driven work.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the senior leader, you will lead the day-to-day management and long-term stewardship of a complex estate. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, sustainability and asset performance, while balancing the sensitivities of historic buildings with modern living requirements.

You will lead a dedicated in-house maintenance team and manage a trusted network of external contractors, surveyors and specialists ensuring safe, well-maintained and welcoming estate, and that the assets are protected and enhanced for the future.

This role blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, offering real autonomy, influence at board level, and the chance to shape a 10–30 year estates strategy.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Strategic Estates & Asset Management

Developing and delivering a long-term estates strategy, overseeing capital projects, maintaining a robust asset register, and advising Trustees and senior leadership on asset performance, risk and investment priorities.

• Operational Facilities Leadership

Ensuring the smooth operation, repair and maintenance of all properties, from planned preventative maintenance to reactive works, inspections and improvements — always with sensitivity to heritage and conservation requirements.

• Health, Safety & Compliance

Acting as the organisation’s Health & Safety lead for the estate, ensuring full compliance across fire safety, asbestos, water hygiene, gas and electrical safety, accessibility and housing standards.

• Sustainability & Environmental Performance

Leading energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, improving EPC performance, and embedding sustainability into long-term estate planning.

• Leadership & Team Development

Managing and developing the in-house maintenance team, fostering a professional, resident-focused culture built on safety, pride and accountability.

• Financial & Contractor Management

Controlling budgets, forecasting expenditure, leading procurement and tendering processes, and ensuring excellent value for money without compromising quality or safety.

• Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

Preparing reports for the CEO, Committees and Trustees, managing risk, handling property-related complaints, and contributing to the wider strategic direction of the charity.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll be an experienced estates or facilities professional with a strong grasp of UK landlord and property compliance, ideally gained within housing, heritage, social landlord or complex estate environments.

You bring:

• Proven leadership experience managing teams and contractors

• Deep knowledge of health & safety and statutory compliance

• Confidence managing budgets, capital projects and long-term plans

• The judgement to balance heritage preservation with modern standards

• A collaborative, calm and authoritative leadership style

Experience with listed buildings, sustainability initiatives, or working within a charitable or purpose-led organisation will be highly valued.

Above all, you’ll bring pride in stewardship, care for people, and a genuine motivation to work in an organisation where your expertise directly supports a meaningful social mission.

Why This Role Stands Out

• A rare senior estates role within a historic charitable setting

• Direct influence at executive and trustee level

• A portfolio unlike any other heritage, community and investment combined

• The chance to leave a tangible, lasting legacy in one city.

This appointment is being handled on a strictly confidential basis.

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

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Please contact the Maxwell Stephens team on 02071184848, or send your CV to cv@maxwellstephens.com.

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