Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Operations Manager - Hard FM

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

We're seeking a confident, forward thinking estates leader with the autonomy, expertise and financial insight to drive high standards across a large and ambitious NHS Trust.

This is a pivotal senior role that extends well beyond technical estates management; we are looking for a capable and confident leader who can work autonomously, exercise sound judgement, manage significant financial responsibilities and motivate teams across a complex and varied estate. Operating between several Band 6 teams and an 8d Associate Director, the postholder will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership presence, professional credibility and the ability to influence and work effectively with senior stakeholders.

The postholder will play a central role in ensuring that the Trust's estate consistently supports high quality patient care and a positive experience for staff. This includes providing assurance that statutory and planned maintenance programmes are delivered, that reactive work is prioritised using a clear risk based approach, and that estates risks are identified, managed and escalated appropriately. You will oversee all aspects of operational estates delivery, embedding strong governance, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, NHS guidance, Health Technical Memoranda, Health Building Notes and the Premises Assurance Model.

Main duties of the job

As a visible, proactive and supportive leader, you will be responsible for guiding and developing a multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 25 staff, building a flexible, mobile and modern service capable of meeting the needs of both acute and community sites. You will champion a positive safety culture and support inclusive leadership, staff development and professional growth, ensuring the team remains resilient, responsive and aligned with Trust priorities.

The role carries significant financial and operational responsibility. You will oversee substantial revenue budgets and ensure strong cost control, value for money and compliance with Standing Financial Instructions. Working closely with senior colleagues, including estates and sustainability specialists, you will lead on accurate performance reporting, effective asset management and the timely completion of national and local data returns. You will also manage contracts and external consultancy support as required.

This post requires close collaboration with clinical, operational and corporate teams to support service continuity, effective planning and alignment between estates activity and wider Trust objectives. Participation in the senior estates on call rota is also required, providing out of hours leadership, decision making and support during incidents and service interruptions.

About us

There's never been a more exciting time to build your career at Frimley Health, one of the country's largest and most respected trusts

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users. Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Date posted

18 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,888 to £64,880 a year per annum incl HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

151-LC412-B

Job locations

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and requirements.

We reserve the right to close the advert early if sufficient applications have been received.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and requirements.

We reserve the right to close the advert early if sufficient applications have been received.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or appropriate bachelor's degree combined with experience
Membership of a professional body, MIET, CIBSE, SOE etc
health and safety qualification such as NEBOSH, IOSH
Project management qualification such as PRINCE
Management qualification such as CMS, DMS.
Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable

Postgraduate management qualification.

Experience

Essential

Significant senior management experience either in the NHS or private sector environment.
Significant complex budgetary management experience, financial awareness, and the ability to meet defined budgetary targets for both revenue and capital expenditure.
Proven ability to manage change in a multi-skilled workforce.
Able to work under pressure and to balance competing priorities.
Good interpersonal skills with a high level of integrity to deal with difficult situations
Knowledge of legislation and guidance affecting areas of responsibility.
Substantial Estates operational management experience either in the NHS or private sector environment.
Experience in writing detailed reports to be presented at Trust Board.
Experience of developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures.
Proven record of leading, co-ordinating and developing a multi-skilled workforce across different sites.

Desirable

Experience of managing large contracts in either the commercial or public sector

Skills

Essential

Effective negotiator to achieve required outcomes in a complex environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
Excellent project management skills.

Special Requirements

Essential

Required to work out of normal hours and be part of an on-call rota for services across sites.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or appropriate bachelor's degree combined with experience
Membership of a professional body, MIET, CIBSE, SOE etc
health and safety qualification such as NEBOSH, IOSH
Project management qualification such as PRINCE
Management qualification such as CMS, DMS.
Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable

Postgraduate management qualification.

Experience

Essential

Significant senior management experience either in the NHS or private sector environment.
Significant complex budgetary management experience, financial awareness, and the ability to meet defined budgetary targets for both revenue and capital expenditure.
Proven ability to manage change in a multi-skilled workforce.
Able to work under pressure and to balance competing priorities.
Good interpersonal skills with a high level of integrity to deal with difficult situations
Knowledge of legislation and guidance affecting areas of responsibility.
Substantial Estates operational management experience either in the NHS or private sector environment.
Experience in writing detailed reports to be presented at Trust Board.
Experience of developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures.
Proven record of leading, co-ordinating and developing a multi-skilled workforce across different sites.

Desirable

Experience of managing large contracts in either the commercial or public sector

Skills

Essential

Effective negotiator to achieve required outcomes in a complex environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
Excellent project management skills.

Special Requirements

Essential

Required to work out of normal hours and be part of an on-call rota for services across sites.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Employer's website

https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Employer's website

https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)