Head of Estates

Part-time (approximately 22.5 to 30 hours per week) Fixed-term contract for two years in the first instance Location: Head Office is based in Abbots Leigh, Bristol Salary: £65k - £75k pro rata per annum, depending on experience. About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Freeways Trust as our Head of Estates. This newly focused role will lead and develop the Trust's property portfolio, ensuring that our estate remains well managed, legally compliant, financially sustainable, and fit for the future. Working closely with the Finance Director, you will help monitor the Trust's overall financial position, provide the Board of Trustees with clear insight into estate performance, and lead a number of key strategic initiatives while the Trust reviews its longer-term property strategy. This is an excellent opportunity to use your estates expertise to make a lasting difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities by ensuring they have access to safe, high-quality homes and environments in which to thrive. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management and development of the Trust's property portfolio.
• Deliver the Trust's short and medium-term estate-related strategic priorities.
• Provide financial oversight of estate operations, budgets, and asset performance.
• Oversee capital projects from planning through to successful completion.
• Ensure all properties meet statutory and regulatory requirements, including health and safety compliance.
• Report regularly to the Board of Trustees on estate performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Support the development of the Trust's long-term property strategy. About You You will be an experienced estates, facilities, or property management professional who is confident operating at a senior level and engaging directly with a Board of Trustees. You will ideally hold a recognised professional qualification in estates, facilities, or property management and have a strong track record of managing property portfolios, compliance requirements, and capital projects. You will also have:
• Demonstrable senior-level experience in property or estates management.
• A sound understanding of landlord and tenant legislation.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and compliance obligations.
• Excellent strategic, financial, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. Experience within the charity sector, social care, supported housing, or a similar environment would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will understand the importance of providing safe, comfortable, and attractive living environments for the people we support, balancing quality outcomes with cost-effectiveness. Benefits In addition to the opportunity to undertake meaningful work with a social impact and be central to strategic decision making for the Trust we offer a range of benefits, including:
• 35 days' annual leave (pro rata), inclusive of public holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Company sick pay scheme
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to scheme rules)
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Free DBS check every three years
• Occupational health support
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24-hour access to counselling and legal advice About Us Freeways Trust is a local charity that works closely with Freeways, an organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. Freeways provides residential and supported living services that enable people to live as independently as possible by making choices, developing new skills, and building connections within their local communities. Freeways Trust owns, manages, and maintains the majority of the properties used by Freeways, ensuring high-quality homes that support the wellbeing and independence of the people who live in them. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Application Process If you are an experienced estates professional who shares our commitment to providing high-quality homes for adults with learning disabilities, we would be delighted to hear from you. Closing date for applications: 11 October 2026 Initial interview and presentation: Week commencing 19 October 2026