Leeds Castle, a stunning 900-year-old Grade 1 listed moated castle set in 990 acres of Grade II* listed parkland, is seeking a dynamic & visionary Estates Director. This iconic heritage site, open to the public since 1976, continues to enchant visitors as a glamorous retreat and popular attraction.
Job Purpose:
As Estates Director, you will develop & deliver an ambitious Estates strategy, ensuring optimum land use, environmental sustainability & biodiversity enhancement. You will maintain excellent standards of presentation & conservation of buildings, grounds, gardens & golf course, ensuring safe & legally compliant operations. You will also ensure excellent service is provided to both guests & internal Leeds Castle customers.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and gain approval for a holistic Estates Strategy, embedding a 5-year project pipeline in the Leeds Castle Business Plan.
* Optimise land use to meet conservation, financial, environmental & biodiversity objectives.
* Work with Deputy Head of Estates, Capital Projects Manager, and external consultants to ensure major projects are well-planned and delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
* Ensure safety & legal compliance in collaboration with Fire, Health & Safety Manager, and work with the Security Manager to protect estate assets and manage emergency procedures.
* Monitor and reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions, supporting the journey to Net Zero, and enhance habitat and biodiversity in collaboration with the Gardens & Grounds Manager and Falconry & Wildlife Manager.
The Candidate:
We are looking for a candidate with a degree in a relevant discipline and at least 5 years of experience in a senior Estates role. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in leading Hard and Soft Services, Security, Gardens, Grounds, Biodiversity, and major project management.
They should have a good appreciation of the constraints and opportunities of working in a heritage, listed environment, and extensive experience in leading Health & Safety and legal compliance.
Personal Qualities:
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, relationship, and partnership-building skills.
* Strategic and analytical mindset, with a curiosity for the latest best practice.
* Commercial mindset, pragmatic and flexible in approach.
* Customer-focused (both external and internal).
* Organised, with keen attention to detail.
* Confident and professional communicator, both written and verbal.
* Collaborative and creative thinker, innovative and questioning.
* Strong team player, respecting the skills and expertise of others.
* Empathetic and people-focused, strong leader.
* Committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across all work.
#J-18808-Ljbffr