Director, Estate Management

The Director of Estate Management provides strategic leadership in the planning, development and operations of the school's physical infrastructure. The role is pivotal in ensuring a safe, sustainable and future-ready campus that supports the school's mission and evolving needs. The Director is responsible for driving estate-related initiatives that promote operational excellence, regulatory compliance and environmental resilience, while enhancing the overall campus experience for students, staff and visitors.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Estate Planning and Development

• Lead the formulation and execution of long-term estate strategies that align with the school's evolving needs, heritage conservation, and future growth.
• Incorporate safety, accessibility, and demographic trends into infrastructure planning.
• Drive innovation through the adoption of smart technologies, sustainable design principles, and space optimization initiatives.

Campus Operations and Facilities Oversight

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of campus infrastructure, including M&E systems, civil works, landscaping, and built heritage assets.
• Ensure consistent delivery of estate-related services through well-defined SOPs, performance indicators, and vendor management frameworks.
• Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, and responsiveness across teaching, boarding, administrative, and community spaces.

Process Enhancement and Organisational Efficiency

• Conduct internal reviews and external benchmarking to identify and adapt best practices in estate management.
• Evaluate key estate-related processes and recommend innovations to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve campus-wide operational challenges.
• Establish metrics to assess the impact of process improvements and support continuous performance evaluation of estate functions.

Sustainability and Innovation

• Champion environmental sustainability initiatives in alignment with national goals, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
• Explore and implement emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) to enhance predictive maintenance, campus safety, and operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and continual improvement within the estate team.

Compliance, Procurement and Budget Management

• Manage the estate department's annual budget, ensuring fiscal prudence and strategic investment in infrastructure renewal and development.
• Lead procurement, tendering, and contract management processes in compliance with public sector governance standards (e.g., GeBIZ, IM on Procurement).
• Ensure adherence to all statutory requirements and risk management protocols, including WSH regulations and building safety codes.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand estate needs and align priorities with school-wide strategic goals.
• Cultivate a culture of service excellence, professionalism, and integrity within the estate management function.

Job Requirements

Education and Professional Qualifications

• Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, Building, or other relevant fields such as Logistics or Operations Management, with demonstrable experience in estate or infrastructure management.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale campuses or property portfolios.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement processes (e.g., GeBIZ) and compliance with risk governance frameworks.
• Strong project management, financial planning, and vendor oversight skills.

Knowledge and Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong planning and analytical skills.
• Creative problem-solver who embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and influence stakeholders across all levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High personal integrity and professionalism.
• Collaborative team player with a strong service orientation.
• Working knowledge of AI, IoT, or smart estate technologies.
• Familiarity with heritage conservation practices or prior experience in educational institutions is an advantage.
• Passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments.