Head of Strategic Facilities Management with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS welcomes international applicants and offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible candidates. However, applicants must verify their UK work visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements and processing times may vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances.
Job Details
Company: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Location: County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UA
Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year gross per annum (pro rata)
Schedule: Full-time
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Education: Experience
Reference Number: 246-COR771397
About the Role
The Head of Strategic Facilities Management will lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Trust’s Hard and Soft FM including transport functions. This position ensures safe, compliant, sustainable, and effective environments that enable high-quality patient care and staff wellbeing. The successful candidate will oversee maintenance and engineering services, soft FM services (cleaning, catering, portering, security, waste), and transport operations across the Trust.
The post holder will ensure that all FM activities meet statutory, regulatory, and NHS standards, providing expert advice to senior leadership including the Associate Director of Estates & Facilities, the Director of Estates and Facilities, the Trust Board, and senior leadership. Working under the overall strategic direction of the Associate Director of Estates & Facilities, they will lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
Main Responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced Facilities Management leader to drive the strategic development and delivery of Hard FM, Soft FM, and Transport services across the Trust. This role will shape the Trust’s FM Strategy, ensuring services are aligned with clinical priorities, sustainability goals, and the Estates & Facilities strategic vision.
The successful candidate will act as the professional lead for all FM disciplines, ensuring regulatory compliance, high-quality operational delivery, and robust governance across estates, facilities, and transport functions. The role oversees the safe and efficient operation of mechanical and electrical systems, Soft FM services, and the Trust’s Transport strategy, ensuring sustainable and effective solutions for staff and patients.
A key focus of the role is risk, assurance, and audit oversight – ensuring compliance with national standards, PLACE requirements, CQC expectations, environmental inspections, and initiatives including ERIC, WRAP, and the Trust’s Green Plan. As a senior leader, you will manage Hard and Soft FM managers, build strong relationships with clinical and locality teams, and foster a culture of engagement, performance, and continuous improvement.
You will be responsible for FM and transport budgets, developing business cases, and securing investment to support ongoing service development. The role requires strategic thinking and practical implementation skills to ensure the Trust’s facilities are maintained to the highest standards while supporting the delivery of excellent patient care.
About Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
The people in Norfolk and Suffolk are warm and welcoming, you’ll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We’re an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications
- Degree level qualification, or equivalent in Estates, Facilities, or related discipline.
- Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g. IWFM, IHEEM, CIBSE, RICS).
Desirable Qualifications
- Formal management/leadership qualification.
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience in facilities management within a large, complex organisation.
- Significant experience of managing statutory compliance in facilities functions.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of managing large FM contracts and outsourced services.
Why Relocate to the UK for This Position?
The UK offers excellent career opportunities in healthcare facilities management, with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. This senior role provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care environments while working within one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.
Norfolk and Suffolk offer an exceptional quality of life with beautiful countryside, vibrant cities, and excellent transport links. The region combines the best of urban amenities with rural charm, making it ideal for professionals seeking balance in their work and personal life.
As an international employee, you would have access to the UK’s National Health Service, which provides comprehensive healthcare for you and your family. The region also has excellent international schools, making it particularly attractive for candidates with children.
Immigration and Relocation Support
The Trust is committed to supporting international candidates through the relocation process. We provide comprehensive guidance on UK visa applications and work with immigration specialists to ensure a smooth transition for successful candidates.
Our dedicated HR team will assist with certificate of sponsorship applications, provide information on UK healthcare registration requirements, and offer advice on the documentation needed for the visa application process. We understand that relocating to a new country can be challenging and are committed to making the process as straightforward as possible.
The UK Skilled Worker visa route is available for eligible candidates with the required qualifications and experience. The certificate of sponsorship provided by the Trust is a crucial component of this visa application, demonstrating that the role meets the skill and salary requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration.
How to Apply
Apply Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website.
Application Process for International Applicants
- Verify your eligibility for UK work visa sponsorship with Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust before applying
- Prepare your CV highlighting your facilities management experience and qualifications
- Gather documentation including degree certificates, professional memberships, and proof of relevant experience
- Submit your application through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date
- Include a cover letter explaining your interest in relocating to the UK
- Be prepared to attend interviews virtually or in person if shortlisted
Important Information for International Candidates
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, which requires a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in NHS leadership positions.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
Name: Leigh Beuttell
Title: Director of Estates and Facilities
Email: leigh.beuttell@nsft.nhs.uk
Employer Website: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
Application Deadline
The closing date is 26 February 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Early application is encouraged to allow sufficient time for the application and potential interview process.
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking organisation with ambitious transformation plans and a commitment to excellence in both patient care and facilities management. This represents an exceptional career opportunity for an experienced facilities professional seeking to make a significant impact in the UK healthcare sector.