Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services), Ayr

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Assistant Director (Estates and Support Services) NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Band 8D - Salary Range £107,810 to £112,426 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Base: Flexible

Interview date: Friday 3rd July

An opportunity to shape the future of healthcare environments and services

This is a rare opportunity to take on one of the most influential operational leadership roles within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, leading services that directly affect the experience of patients, staff and communities every single day.

We are looking for someone who wants more than simply managing services. We are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to shape, influence and modernise services on a significant scale.

We are looking for a leader who can bring people together, create momentum, challenge traditional thinking and help shape what comes next.

Why this role is different

Few leadership roles offer this breadth of influence. This post sits at the centre of how NHS Ayrshire & Arran will evolve over the next decade spanning estates, facilities, sustainability, operational support services and organisational transformation.

You Will Have The Opportunity To

• influence strategic decisions at senior organisational level
• modernise services that support thousands of staff and patients every day
• lead large‑scale transformation and improvement programmes
• shape sustainable environments and future ways of working
• work across organisational boundaries with health, local authority and national partners
• leave a visible and lasting legacy across Ayrshire & Arran

About NHS Ayrshire & Arran

NHS Ayrshire & Arran provides acute, community and mental health services for a population of approximately 360,000 people across East, North and South Ayrshire.

We are ambitious about the future of our services and infrastructure. Through our Caring for Ayrshire vision, sustainability agenda and ongoing transformation programmes, we are redesigning how healthcare environments and support services contribute to safer, more effective and more person‑centred care.

The Opportunity

As Assistant Director of Estates & Support Services, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse and complex portfolio including:

• Estates and facilities management
• Catering, domestic, portering and laundry services
• Energy, sustainability and environmental management
• Security, transport and car parking
• Major estate developments and refurbishment programmes
• Compliance, governance and fire safety
• Partnership working across health and local government

You will lead services delivered by over 1,000 staff and help shape environments and systems that underpin patient care across the whole organisation.

What We Are Looking For

• think strategically but remain focused on delivery
• are energised by challenge, complexity and improvement
• can build strong relationships and bring people with them
• have experience leading change within large, complex organisations
• demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, resilience and visible leadership
• are confident influencing at senior level
• are motivated by public service and improving outcomes for communities

You may come from the NHS, wider public sector or another large operational environment.

What Matters Most Is Your Ability To

• lead transformation
• create confidence and momentum
• develop high‑performing teams
• balance strategic vision with operational reality
• improve services through innovation, collaboration and modernisation

You will be supported by experienced technical and operational teams. This role is about leadership, direction and enabling improvement at scale.

What You Will Gain

• develop a nationally significant leadership portfolio
• influence services across an entire healthcare system
• work with experienced and committed multidisciplinary teams
• lead major programmes of change and service redesign
• shape sustainability and environmental strategy
• contribute directly to improving patient and staff experience
• grow professionally within a progressive and ambitious organisation

Alongside the scale and complexity of the role, Ayrshire offers an exceptional quality of life with coastline, countryside, strong communities and excellent connectivity.

You Will Bring

• substantial senior leadership experience within a large and complex organisation
• experience of organisational transformation and service improvement
• strong financial, governance and resource management capability
• excellent communication, influencing and partnership‑working skills
• degree‑level qualification with Masters‑level education or equivalent experience
• commitment to continuous improvement and public‑sector values

Full UK Driving Licence: essential for this role as you will be required to work across various sites.

Right to Work / Sponsorship

International applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. The role may be eligible for visa sponsorship if it meets the minimum salary threshold and other criteria. Sponsorship is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis after interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks.

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