Braxfield Recruitment Partners are delighted to be working with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in the search for an Executive Director of Property and Compliance.
The Organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best-known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation. They are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts providing specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
With a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King’s Health Partners – one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research.
They have around 22,700 staff, making them one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. All buildings and spaces within the Trust are managed by Essentia, a part of Guy’s and St Thomas’. Responsible for non-clinical healthcare services, Essentia designs, builds and maintains healthcare infrastructure vital to the smooth running of healthcare services. This encompasses everything from construction projects and healthcare planning to waste management, housekeeping, transport and security. Essentia employs around 1,900 people, who provide essential facilities management support to clinical teams working across the acute hospital of Guy’s and St Thomas’, Royal Brompton and Harefield as well as the South East London Community and other partner Trusts. Essentia combines high standards and public sector values with commercial focus, innovative thinking and modern technology to create the best possible patient experience.
The Role - Executive Director of Property and Compliance
We are seeking an experienced leader to join Essentia’s Executive team and drive the Trust’s strategic ambitions in South East London. This pivotal role is responsible for providing leadership in delivering the Trust’s capital development plans, compliance and assurance functions, property investments, and space management strategy. As a key member of the executive team, the postholder will oversee the planning, design, and delivery of healthcare facilities to meet the clinical, research, and administrative needs of the Trust, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
The postholder will develop and implement the Trust’s integrated property and space strategy, aiming to maximise property value, improve estate efficiency, and ensure long-term asset sustainability. Building strong relationships with clinical and operational leaders, stakeholders, landlords, and tenant organisations, the postholder will drive consistency, mitigate risks, and represent the Trust externally. Additionally, they will lead operational quality standards, fire safety compliance, and the implementation of the Trust’s Sustainability Strategy in partnership with other South East London Trusts. This role also involves delivering the annual technical assurance plan and maintaining a robust assurance framework to ensure compliance with all statutory obligations.
Strategy and Planning
Develop and implement asset management policies and estate strategies that align with the Trust’s goals. Provide strategic leadership in property and space management, collaborating with partners to deliver cost-effective services and optimise the Trust’s assets through effective oversight of holdings, acquisitions, and disposals.
Design and Capital Delivery
Establish design standards for new builds and refurbishments, ensuring alignment with Trust specifications and sustainability goals. Oversee efficient capital project delivery, focusing on stakeholder engagement and compliance, while managing logistics and dispute resolution.
Major Projects and Engineering Assurance
Present development proposals to stakeholders, aligning them with Trust objectives. Oversee contract procurement and quality management of engineering and facilities to ensure compliance and effective issue resolution.
Property and Financial Management
Develop a property strategy to optimise space and generate revenue. Manage project costs within financial targets and engage stakeholders to enhance the portfolio.
Leadership and Corporate Responsibilities
Provide leadership to promote an inclusive culture aligned with Trust values, developing team structures and career plans to drive performance. Represent Essentia and the Trust regionally and nationally, leading sustainability and transformation initiatives.
What They Offer
The NHS Pension Scheme - one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK. When you start working for the NHS you automatically become a member and you will get an excellent package of pension benefits.
Interest free Season Ticket Loan
Long Term Service Awards
Subsidised on-site nurseries and childcare vouchers
A comprehensive staff health and well-being programme, '5 ways to a healthier YOU'
Ride to work scheme
Employee assistance programme
Free stop smoking service
If you would like more information about the Executive Director of Property and Compliance position and a copy of the role profile then please contact Braxfield Recruitment Partners to explore the opportunity further.