Head of Estates

This is a senior, Trust‑wide leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape a high‑performing estates function that ensures our schools are safe, sustainable, compliant and fit for the future—ultimately enabling school leaders to focus on what matters most: excellent education for children and young people. The Opportunity As Head of Estates, you will: Provide strategic leadership and professional expertise across the Trust’s estate Lead the ongoing development and transformation of the estates function Ensure our buildings and facilities actively support school improvement, growth and inclusion Act as the Trust’s principal authority and adviser on estates, compliance and capital planning Build a consistent, high‑quality estates service that supports schools now and as the Trust continues to expand This is a role with real scope, influence and ownership. You will be trusted to design, lead and embed approaches that make a tangible difference across all our schools. About You We are looking for a credible, proactive leader who: Has significant experience of senior estates or facilities leadership within a complex organisation Brings strong knowledge of statutory compliance, health & safety and asset management Thinks strategically while remaining grounded in operational reality Is confident working with Executive Leaders and Trustees, providing clear assurance and professional challenge Is motivated by public service values and the opportunity to support great schools Experience within education or the public sector is advantageous, but above all we are seeking someone with the vision, judgement and leadership capability to shape an estates function at Trust scale. Why Join Cumbria Education Trust? Be part of a growing, ambitious Trust with a strong moral purpose Join at a point where estates leadership will have significant influence and impact Shape and lead a developing Trust Services function with the backing of senior leaders Work collaboratively with committed school and central teams Make a long‑term difference to learning environments across Cumbria Safeguarding Cumbria Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and other pre‑employment checks. This is a rare opportunity to lead, shape and transform an estates function that underpins excellent education across a growing Trust. For an informal discussion about the role or to find out more, please contact Sally McAllister.