Head of BBSRC Estates
- Civil Service
- Full Time
- Swindon
- 58,589
Job Description
Job summary
Head of Estates
Salary: 58,589 Per Annum
Band: UKRI Band F
Contract: Open-ended
Hours: Full Time
Location: Polaris House, Swindon.
Reports to: Associate Director of BBSRC Estates
Travel Required: Yes (Please note the Travel required option at the top of the page is in error)
Closing Date: 23:59 on Monday 29th June 2026
About the role
Lead and oversee the strategic management, planning, and assurance of the BBSRC estate. Ensure asset protection, legal compliance, effective investment, and consistent, high quality estate management across BBSRC-supported Institutes and UKRI-owned assets.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Estate Leadership
- Develop and deliver the BBSRC Estates Strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
- Provide strategic assurance for capital investment programmes and the BBSRC Estates Panel.
- Lead estate-related risk management and provide expert guidance on statutory, safety, sustainability, and environmental requirements.
Institute Oversight & Assurance
- Provide strategic direction to BBSRC Institutes in producing long-term asset management plans.
- Oversee annual and multi-year planned maintenance programmes to protect UKRI freehold asset value.
- Monitor Institute KPIs, compliance, and estate performance, reporting regularly to senior stakeholders.
Compliance, Sustainability & Security
- Ensure legal compliance across the estate, including owner surveys, asbestos, legionella, and wider statutory duties.
- Embed sustainability into estate planning and represent BBSRC at UKRI risk, sustainability, and security forums.
- Provide physical security guidance and coordinate UKRI security returns.
Estate Operations & Professional Services
- Manage contracts, frameworks, and consultants, including valuations, audits, and specialist services.
- Lead periodic condition surveys, maintain property datasets, and support UKRI reporting requirements.
- Provide expert estates advice on planning, building control, health and safety, and procurement.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong working relationships across BBSRC, UKRI, and Institute estate teams.
- Chair twice-yearly estate leader meetings and ensure actions are progressed.
- Work with the Head of Real Estate to provide lease advice and support lease creation or renewal.
Capital Investment Programme
- Support the Estates Investment Panel by managing business case calls, reviewing submissions, and monitoring approved capital projects.
- Approve Institute payment requests against approved business cases.
Representation & Professional Development
- Represent BBSRC senior leaders at internal and external meetings.
- Maintain professional competence and promote continuous development across estate teams.
Person specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
- HNC/HND in estates, building, or engineering. (S)
- Professional membership (RICS, CIOB, IWFM, CIBSE, APM, or equivalent). (S)
- Strong communication, time management, and the ability to manage ambiguity. (S/I)
- Effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills. (S/I)
- Clear, concise report writing. (S/I)
- Ability to lead, prioritise, and empower others across multiple concurrent tasks. (S/I)
- Solid understanding of estates compliance, health & safety, and risk management. (S/I)
- Experience producing technical specifications and tender documentation. (S/I)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estates management IT systems. (S)
- Willingness to travel across the UK, including overnight stays. (S/I)
- Commitment to professional development. (I)
