Pay: £30,000 FTE (pro rata for 30 hours per week)
Hours: 30 hours per week - Flexible working arrangements may be considered depending on the successful applicant.
Location: Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana, Shrewsbury SY1 2HP
Role Purpose
The Estates & Facilities Leader is responsible for the day-to-day care, safety, and presentation of Shrewsbury Prison, ensuring the site is well maintained, compliant, and operating to a high standard at all times.
This role exists to bring ownership and consistency to estates across the site, creating an environment that supports both operational excellence and exceptional visitor experience.
The Role
You will take ownership of the estate at Shrewsbury Prison, acting as the responsible person on site for all estates-related matters. This includes maintenance, compliance, contractor management, and site presentation.
You will work closely with the Attractions team but operate with clear accountability for the estate, relieving operational teams of responsibilities outside their core focus.
You will report into the Group Estates Lead and play a key role in building a scalable estates structure across Cove Properties.
Key Responsibilities
This section outlines the key areas of accountability for the role and the standards expected in each area.
Strategy & Delivery
· Take full ownership of estates delivery on site, ensuring all works are completed to a high standard and on time
· Support the development and implementation of site-level estates plans
· Identify and drive improvements to infrastructure, maintenance processes, and site standards
· Act as the on-site lead for estates projects and upgrades
Experience & Engagement
· Ensure the site is always presented to a high standard, supporting a strong visitor experience
· Work closely with the Attractions team to minimise disruption to guests
· Take pride in the site, championing a “best in class” environment
Operational Management & Compliance
· Act as a key holder and responsible person on site
· Ensure full compliance with all health & safety, statutory, and legal requirements
· Manage planned and reactive maintenance schedules
· Oversee contractors on site, ensuring safe working and quality delivery
· Maintain accurate compliance records and documentation
· Respond to urgent issues and emergencies as required
Financial & Commercial Performance
· Support the control of maintenance spend and budgets on site
· Identify cost efficiencies without compromising safety or standards
· Manage contractor quotes and ensure value for money
Collaboration & Communication
· Work closely with the Attractions team to align operational and estates needs
· Provide clear updates to the Group Estates Lead
· Support knowledge sharing and consistency across all sites
· Build strong working relationships with contractors and suppliers
Key Performance Indicators
Performance in this role will be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators aligned to the Cove Group’s PDR framework.
These include:
· Site compliance maintained at 100% (no overdue statutory checks)
· Reduction in reactive maintenance issues over time
· Site presentation standards consistently met
· Projects delivered on time and within budget
· Positive feedback from site teams on estates support
About You
You are hands-on, reliable, and take pride in your work. You naturally take ownership of environments and enjoy fixing problems, improving standards, and making things work better.
You’re someone people trust, organised, practical, and calm under pressure.
Essential Skills & Experience
· Experience in facilities, estates, maintenance, or a similar role
· Strong understanding of health & safety and compliance requirements
· Practical, hands-on skillset across general maintenance
· Ability to manage contractors and external suppliers
· Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Desirable
· Experience working in heritage, tourism, or complex operational sites
· Knowledge of compliance systems and documentation
· Relevant qualifications (e.g. H&S, trade background)
Personal Attributes
· Ownership mindset – you take responsibility and see things through
· High standards – you care about quality and detail
· Reliable and accountable
· Proactive and solution-focused
· Strong communicator and team player
The Reward
This is a hands-on role with real ownership of a unique and historic site. You will have the opportunity to shape standards, take pride in the environment, and play a key role in the development of this historic site.
What We Offer
At Cove Group, we believe work should be something you look forward to. We’re building a culture where people feel valued, growth is constant, and purpose drives everything we do. You’ll be part of a team that’s passionate, collaborative, and proud of the difference we make every day.
As part of our culture promise, we offer:
· A collaborative, supportive, and values-driven environment.
· Fair pay, regular recognition, and genuine appreciation for your work.
· Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development across Cove Group.
· Clear expectations, honest feedback, and leadership that lifts others.
· A positive, purpose-driven workplace where you can grow, thrive, and make an impact.
Here, you won’t just do great work, you’ll help shape a culture we can all be proud of.
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Describe your experience in facilities, estates, or site-based roles with responsibility for maintenance and compliance?
- Which of the following have you been responsible for?
Health & Safety compliance
Managing contractors on site
Planned maintenance schedules
Keeping statutory records/certifications up to date
- Tell us about a time you took ownership of a site, building, or area and improved standards. What did you do?
- This is a hands-on role. Are you comfortable carrying out maintenance tasks yourself as well as managing contractors?
Experience:
- Estates & Facilities : 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
