Petty Pool
Based in Cheshire, Petty Pool is a charity established in 1981 with operational activities divided between Petty Pool Vocational College - a nationally-recognised, multi-award-winning education and training provider for young people with learning disabilities and difficulties, Venturewood (Formerly Petty Pool Outdoor Education Centre) - providing personal development through adventurous activities, and finally Petty Pool In The Community - linking young people to leisure, vocational and community activities.
The organisation has gone from strength to strength, tripling in size over the past 5 years and recently ranking in the Best Companies Top 5 List, defining them as one of the best education and training organisations to work for in the United Kingdom.
Head of Estates & Capital Development
This is a senior strategic leadership role with responsibility for the effective management, development, and compliance of Petty Pool Trust’s estate, facilities, health and safety systems, and capital projects.
As a member of the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership of our Estates Strategy, Project Learn Hive, ensuring successful delivery within agreed scope, budget, and timescales, while also leading the organisation’s approach to health and safety compliance, facilities management, environmental stewardship, and risk management.
Working closely with the CEO, Executive Team and Trustees, the role will ensure the charity meets its statutory responsibilities, embeds a strong safety culture, and develops a sustainable, well-maintained estate that supports learners, staff, and long-term organisational growth.
Role Summary
- Provide strategic leadership for estates, facilities, health and safety, and environmental compliance
- Contribute to the development of our next five-year strategy, making it an especially exciting time to join the charity
- Lead and deliver major capital and construction projects
- Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Manage and develop the facilities and maintenance team
- Protect and enhance the charity’s physical assets, including woodland and SSSI responsibilities
- Advise CEO and Trustees on risk, investment, sustainability, and long-term estates planning
Candidate Profile
We're looking for a highly collaborative and strategic estates leader with strong experience of leading on major capital development projects of similar complexity and scale, and a passion to make a difference in a charity who changes lives for the better.
Excellent vision and long-term-thinking combined with exemplary project management skills will be essential for success in this challenging yet hugely fulfilling senior management position. Candidates will need a relevant track record in capital development, estates management, budget cost and resource management, facilities management, environmental management, health and safety, governance and security.
Application Process
To apply for this exciting opportunity on the Petty Pool senior leadership team, please contact the retained search partner quoting Job Reference: RM424.
Joe Onions - Associate Director, Sherrington Associates
T: 07709 524350
E: joe.onions@sherringtonassociates.co.uk
