Director of Estates

Sapientia Education TrustAddress: Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9SZSalary: Competitive Hours: Full timeContract: PermanentReference: 0848Sapientia Education Trust is a successful and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust serving schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. Established in 2016, the trust has grown to 22 schools, educating almost 9,000 pupils across primary, secondary and sixth form provision. With further schools expected to join the trust in the coming years, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth, development and opportunity.Our central teams provide expert support across education, finance, HR, ICT, health and safety, governance and estates. Together, we work in partnership with school leaders to remove barriers, drive improvement and ensure our schools have the resources they need to succeed.The roleTo lead the strategic development of a multi-site education estate and help shape the future of one of East Anglia's most successful Multi-Academy Trusts.This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking estates leader to help shape the future of a highly respected and expanding organisation.As Director of Estates, you will join the Executive Team at a pivotal point in the trust's development. With a growing family of schools and significant investment planned across our estate, you will provide the strategic vision, leadership and expertise required to ensure our buildings and facilities continue to support the highest standards of education for years to come.Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead all aspects of estate management across the trust's diverse portfolio, from strategic asset planning and major capital projects to compliance, sustainability, health and safety, maintenance and estate development. This role offers an outstanding platform for an experienced estates professional who is passionate about delivering meaningful impact. Whether through developing innovative estate strategies, securing investment, improving sustainability or delivering transformational capital projects, your work will directly support the education and wellbeing of thousands of children and young people across Norfolk and Suffolk.To find out moreIf you would like to visit the trust or would like an informal discussion, please contact Briony Rigwell, Executive Assistant to the CEO by calling 01953609012 or emailing: ea@setrust.co.ukHow to applyComplete an online application form via our website along with a supporting letter of no more than 800 words, detailing how your experience equips you for the post and what you would bring to us.Closing date: 12pm, 17 August 2026Interview date: week commencing 24 August 2026Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct. Applications are considered on receipt; therefore, early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview before the application closing date, should we receive a sufficient number of applications.The trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, references will be sought for shortlisted candidates prior to interview.IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYINGTo apply, please follow the application process detailed above.This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.The ‘Apply Now’ button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.Full timePosting Date: 2026-07-27