We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Estates to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering an outstanding learning environment across our College campuses. Reporting to the Director of Estates and Risk Management, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure our estates and facilities services are efficient, sustainable, secure, and fully aligned with the College’s long-term strategic vision. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic professional who can combine operational excellence with innovation to support teaching, learning, and future growth.

The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day management of Estates and Facilities services, providing strong people leadership to the estates teams at each campus and developing a positive high-performing culture that motivates colleagues to deliver excellent services. You will ensure high-quality buildings and environments that enhance the student and staff experience, while driving continuous improvement through effective performance management, responsive service delivery, and strong collaboration with senior leaders across the organisation.

You will contribute to strategic planning, resource management, and organisational development. You will oversee departmental budgets, support preparations for audits and inspections, and provide accurate operational data and insight to inform planning and decision-making. You will also lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement while supporting staff growth and succession planning.

We are looking for a motivated and commercially aware leader with substantial estates and facilities management experience, exceptional people management skills, and the ability to deliver results across complex multi-site operations. If you are passionate about creating safe, modern, and inspiring environments that support educational excellence, we would welcome your application!

The Role:

Where you’ll work: This role is based at our Tonbridge campus, however there will be necessary travel to other College sites (Dartford / Gravesend and Hadlow).

Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum (1 FTE).

Your pay: £55,000 per annum.

The College:

North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

The Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following as a Head of Estates at NKC:

42 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts).
Enrolment onto the People’s Partnership pension scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College). 
Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.
CPD days and access to several discount memberships through being an employee at a College.  

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent College staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.

Please note that the closing date for applications is Thursday 4 June 2026, with interviews scheduled to take place on either Tuesday 16 June or Wednesday 17 June 2026.

North Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.