Director of Estates & Risk Management North Kent College

North Kent College is a vibrant and ambitious further education institution at the heart of its communities, delivering high-quality education and training across its campuses in Dartford, Gravesend and Tonbridge. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, employer engagement and student success, the college is committed to transforming lives through education and developing the skills needed for a modern workforce.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a forward-thinking college that places learners, innovation and community impact at the centre of everything it does. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of an organisation that is passionate about inclusion, aspiration and excellence.

We are seeking an individual who shares our commitment to educational opportunity and public service. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to build positive relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape. Whether your experience has been gained in education, business, the public sector or a community-focused organisation, you will be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the success of learners and the wider region.

Who we are

North Kent College is one of the leading further and higher education providers in the South East, serving thousands of learners across Kent through its campuses in Dartford, Gravesend and Tonbridge. The college offers a broad curriculum, including vocational and technical qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education programmes, adult learning and professional training.

With strong links to employers and industry, North Kent College focuses on developing the skills and experiences that support progression into employment, apprenticeships and higher-level study. Its campuses feature industry-standard facilities designed to replicate real working environments, enabling students to gain practical, career-focused experience alongside their academic studies.

The college has particular strengths in construction, engineering, creative arts, business, health and social care, digital technologies, hospitality and land-based education through its association with Hadlow College. It also maintains active partnerships with universities, providing clear progression routes into higher education.

Committed to inclusion, student support and community engagement, North Kent College plays a significant role in developing the regional workforce while helping learners of all ages achieve their educational and career ambitions.

About the role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the College at a pivotal time of development and transformation as our Director of Estates and Risk Management. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Executive, you will play a key strategic leadership role in shaping and delivering a modern, sustainable and high-performing estate that supports outstanding educational outcomes and an exceptional experience for students, staff and visitors.

As a member of the senior leadership community, you will lead the strategic direction of Estates, Facilities, Risk Management, Health and Safety and Business Continuity across a complex multi-site environment. You will ensure the College’s physical infrastructure is safe, compliant, financially sustainable and aligned with the organisation’s long-term ambitions.

The role offers broad and varied responsibilities, from developing and implementing the College’s Estates Strategy and overseeing significant capital projects, through to leading sustainability initiatives, managing risk and providing expert advice to the Board and Senior Leadership Team. You will drive operational excellence, enhance the utilisation and performance of the estate and ensure value for money through effective procurement, contract management and financial stewardship.

This is a highly influential leadership position for an ambitious, forward-thinking professional passionate about creating environments where people can thrive and balancing strategic vision with effective operational delivery.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an accomplished estates and facilities leader with the vision, commercial acumen and strategic capability to lead a diverse portfolio of estates, facilities and risk management services across a large and complex organisation.

You will bring substantial experience of leading multi-site estates operations, developing long-term strategic plans, managing significant budgets and successfully delivering major capital projects from inception through to completion. Whether you have gained this experience in education, the public sector, healthcare, local government, or another similarly complex environment, you will have a proven track record of delivering high-quality services while driving continuous improvement and organisational value.

Professionally qualified in a relevant estates, surveying, construction, facilities management, health and safety, or related discipline, you will possess an excellent understanding of statutory compliance, health and safety legislation, risk management, business continuity and asset management.

Most importantly, you will be a visible and inspiring leader who can build strong relationships across the organisation, influence at Board level and lead high-performing teams through change and development. You will combine strategic thinking with a practical, solutions-focused approach, bringing the confidence to challenge, the creativity to innovate and the credibility to drive meaningful improvements across the College estate.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of a significant educational institution and leave a lasting legacy through the development of outstanding learning environments, we would be delighted to hear from you