Head of Estate Operations

About Broughton Sanctuary & Avalon Wellbeing Estate

Located in Yorkshire, this extensive historic estate features a blend of heritage structures, contemporary facilities, retreat and event venues, holiday cottages, farmland, woodland, and a substantial nature recovery initiative. The estate is dynamic, expanding, and demands strengthened oversight across its properties, land management, maintenance services, contractor coordination, procurement, health and safety, and capital development projects.

Role Overview

The position seeks an experienced Head of Estate Operations to lead and streamline the planning, coordination, and execution of all property and land activities throughout the estate. This senior role requires overarching management rather than direct hands-on maintenance, overseeing team leaders and integrating diverse operational facets into a cohesive strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically plan and prioritize estate-wide property and land tasks.
• Lead the annual maintenance schedule encompassing both historic and modern buildings.
• Provide clear guidance to the property and land team leaders.
• Coordinate internal teams, external contractors, and manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Handle procurement processes, budget management, purchases, and cost containment.
• Supervise repairs, refurbishments, and occasional capital improvement projects.
• Integrate the nature recovery programme within the comprehensive estate plan.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards across all department functions.
• Guarantee appropriate timing and allocation of resources for all necessary work.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in estate, property, facilities, or land management roles.
• Strong skills in project management, strategic planning, procurement, budgeting, and contractor oversight.
• Ability to coordinate teams and contractors within a complex operational environment.
• Competency managing both routine maintenance and larger-scale refurbishment projects.
• Knowledgeable and confident in regulatory compliance, health and safety, and operational risk management.
• Possesses practical organizational skills, calmness under pressure, and decisiveness.
• Capable of bringing structure, clarity, and efficient management to a large, multifaceted estate.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Flexible working hours available.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Contributory pension plan.
• Complimentary access to the Sanctuary Wellbeing Schedule.
• Subsidized meals at Utopia Bistro.
• Discounts for family and friends on Sanctuary events and accommodations.
• Opportunity to work within a scenic and distinctive environment.
• Free on-site parking provided.