Job Description:

Interim Estates & Facilities Manager (Part-Time, Fixed Term)

Location: Darlington
Contract: Fixed term - 2 to 3 months (covering a scheduled absence)
Hours: 15 hours per week, worked across Monday to Friday
Start date: Potentially end of this month
Hourly rate: £19.53 - £23.32 per hour (dependent on experience)

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Estates & Facilities professional to provide short‑term cover for our Estates and Facilities Manager during a scheduled absence. The postholder will ensure the ongoing safety, compliance, and smooth day‑to‑day operation of hospice premises, facilities, and systems, working closely with internal teams and external contractors.

The role is part‑time (15 hours per week) and based in Darlington.

Key Responsibilities

Estates & Facilities Management

• Act as the first point of contact for estates management and fault reporting, ensuring issues are logged, prioritised, and resolved effectively.
• Ensure that hospice premises are fit for purpose, safe, hygienic, and well‑maintained, including fabric of the building, utilities, and essential systems.
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to an appropriate standard.
• Maintain an auditable planned maintenance schedule, including servicing, inspections, and statutory testing.
• Ensure all waste is managed safely and in line with regulations, including general, clinical, and hazardous waste.
• Provide oversight of security arrangements, particularly out‑of‑hours, ensuring safety of staff, patients, volunteers, and visitors.

Health & Safety

• Act as the Hospice's nominated Health & Safety lead during the cover period.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee and support non‑clinical risk assessments, audits, and action plans as required.
• Ensure statutory checks and testing are completed and documented (e.g. fire safety checks, PAT testing, emergency lighting).
• Ensure all certificates and compliance documentation relating to premises and equipment are kept up to date.

ICT & Systems Oversight (Operational Level)

• Liaise with the external IT support provider to ensure continuity of service.
• Oversee resolution of reported IT and systems faults affecting day‑to‑day operations.
• Support basic ICT administration where required, including devices, systems access, and coordination with suppliers.

Procurement & Contractors

• Liaise with external contractors and suppliers for estates, maintenance, utilities, and facilities‑related services.
• Support effective procurement of utilities and equipment, working within existing budgets and agreements.

Line Management

• Provide line management for one part‑time Facilities Assistant, including task allocation, support, and oversight of workload.
• Ensure clear communication and continuity of service within the facilities function during the cover period.

Experience & Skills Required

• Proven experience in estates, facilities, or operations management, ideally within healthcare, charity, or a regulated environment.
• Strong working knowledge of health and safety compliance and facilities legislation.
• Experience managing planned and reactive maintenance and working with contractors.
• Confident communicator with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Previous line management or supervisory experience is essential for this role.

If you are interested, please call (phone number removed) or respond to this advert now.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.