The Estate Development Team at UHP plays a key role in delivering a complex capital programme supporting the future development of the Trust’s estate. The team manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including major redevelopment, new build schemes and infrastructure improvements across multiple sites.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary project management team, with significant investment and transformation programmes underway. The role offers the opportunity to shape the future estate, influence strategic decision-making, and deliver schemes that directly support improved patient care and staff experience.
The Head of Estate Development provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of the Trust’s capital programme, leading the Estate Development team responsible for delivering capital schemes across the organisation. The post holder is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring schemes are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality, while aligning with the Trust’s Integrated Business Plan.
The role also leads major capital investment programmes, strategic estate planning, and asset utilisation, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to support high-quality service delivery.
This is primarily an office-based role, with some flexibility for home working.
Please note that the selection process will comprise an in-person interview, a psychometric assessment, and two stakeholder panel discussions. Full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates with their interview invitation.
Face to face interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd June.
Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.
Lead delivery of the Trust’s capital investment programme, managing multiple concurrent projects from inception to completion
Lead and manage the Estate Development (Project Management) team, including performance, capability, and workforce planning
Provide strategic estate planning, including site development, estate optimisation and infrastructure solutions aligned to clinical priorities
Oversee project governance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, NHS guidance and Trust financial controls
Manage cost planning, forecasting and budget control across the capital programme
Lead development of business cases and funding bids for major capital schemes
Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, ICS partners, and external organisations
Ensure safe, high-quality environments for patients, visitors and staff through effective project delivery
Contribute to Trust-wide strategic objectives and represent the function at senior governance forums
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Strategic Leadership & Estate Planning:
Work with the Associate Director Estate Development and Director of Site Services & Infrastructure to ensure the Trust’s Site Development Plan remains aligned to latest clinical and business strategies
Provide expert advice on estate solutions including redevelopment, new build and refurbishment schemes
Align estate development with clinical strategy, service transformation and organisational priorities
Develop strong partnerships with ICS, local authorities and external stakeholders
Capital Programme & Project Delivery:
Manage the Estate Development capital investment programme, including project design and specification, prioritisation, planning and performance reporting
Oversee delivery of capital projects from feasibility through to completion and handover
Ensure projects meet time, cost and quality objectives and comply with statutory Health & Safety and NHS requirements
Lead procurement, contract management and engagement with external consultants and contractors
Cost Planning, Commercial & Governance:
Lead cost planning, forecasting and financial control across all capital schemes
Develop feasibility studies, option appraisals and cost estimates to support business case development
Ensure compliance with governance processes, including SOC, OBC and FBC approvals and funding requirements
Strengthen in-house capability and reduce reliance on external consultancy where appropriate
Leadership, Management & Performance:
Lead, manage and develop the Estate Development (Project Management) team, ensuring effective delivery across all projects
Set clear objectives, monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across the team
Lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention and succession planning for key technical roles
Provide professional leadership, coaching and development to maintain high standards of technical and delivery capability
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture aligned to Trust values
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
Work closely with clinical teams, operational leads and patient groups to ensure projects meet user requirements
Provide expert advice and reporting to senior management, Trust Board and committees
Represent the Trust externally on estate development matters and capital schemes
