Estates Manager

Dukes Education Group; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dukes Education Group in Cambridge is seeking an Estates Manager to oversee the operation of the estate across the schools and colleges, ensuring that all buildings, facilities and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. You will lead day-to-day estates operations and provide a safe, compliant environment that supports teaching, learning and boarding.

The postholder will manage a team of maintenance staff, coordinate external contractors, lead on statutory compliance and health and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in estates management within a complex multi-site environment.
• Experience of managing buildings, grounds and maintenance operations.
• Experience of health and safety responsibilities, risk assessments and incident management.
• Experience of supervising maintenance teams, contractors and external service providers.
• Experience of planning and delivering maintenance, refurbishment or capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Undertake regular site inspections and report to Principals on condition, compliance and performance.
• Support budgeting, maintenance plans and capital project proposals.
• Deliver operational estates objectives aligned to strategic priorities.
• Maintain site security, opening/closing procedures, emergency callouts and compliance documentation.
• Oversee health and safety, including policy development, risk assessments and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate compliance activities including fire safety, water hygiene, PAT, inspections and checks.
• Escalate major maintenance and compliance issues with technical advice as needed.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to quality standards.
• Lead on estates compliance and readiness for inspections.

Skills

Estates management

Facilities management

Health & safety

Budgeting

Leadership

Education

NEBOSH or IOSH qualification

Job description

Job Purpose

The Estates Manager is responsible for the operational management of the estate across the schools and colleges in Cambridge. Ensuring that all buildings, facilities and grounds are maintained to the highest standards.

The postholder will lead the delivery of day-to-day estates operations, providing a safe, compliant and efficient environment that supports teaching, learning and boarding provision.

Reporting to the Principals, the Estates Manager will oversee facilities management across the estates in Cambridge (12 boarding houses and 7 academic buildings), manage a team of maintenance staff and coordinate external contractors, coordinate school lettings, lead on statutory compliance and health and safety inspections, and ensure the estate is fully prepared for ISI and OFSTED inspections through the effective management of compliance records, statutory testing, risk management and the maintenance of safe, fit-for-purpose facilities.

The postholder will also deliver maintenance and capital projects from inception through to completion, ensuring works are completed safely, on time and within budget.

The Estates Manager will provide professional advice and recommendations to the Bursar on estates matters, supporting the development of operational plans and contributing to the effective stewardship of the estate.

Key Responsibilities

In addition to the operational responsibilities detailed elsewhere in this job description, the Estates Manager will:

• Undertake regular site inspections and report regularly to the Principals on the condition, performance and compliance of the estates. Providing timely management information, reports and recommendations to support decision-making.

• Support the Financial Controller in the preparation of estates budgets, maintenance plans and capital project proposals.

• Deliver operational estates objectives in line with the strategic priorities set by the Principals.

• Maintain effective operational systems, including site security, opening and closing procedures, emergency callouts, record keeping, compliance documentation, procurement and contractor management.

• Oversee statutory compliance and health and safety, acting as the Health and Safety Lead, including the development, implementation, and review of health and safety policies, risk assessments, emergency procedures, and lockdown protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all employees, visitors, and service users.

• Coordinating other essential compliance activities including fire safety, water hygiene, emergency lighting, PAT testing, fixed wire inspections and other mandatory checks.

• Escalate significant compliance issues, risks or major maintenance requirements promptly and provide technical expertise and advice on building maintenance, compliance, refurbishment and improvement projects.

• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards, reporting progress and risks throughout.

• Lead on estates compliance and health and safety, ensuring the Group maintains full statutory compliance by maintaining accurate compliance records and implementing any required remedial actions to ensure they are continuously prepared for inspections.

The Estates Manager works closely with:

• Financial Controller

• Principals of the Schools and Colleges in Cambridge

• Maintenance Team

• UK Head of Health and Safety

• External Contractors and Consultants

• Regulatory Bodies

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in estates management, facilities management, property management or a similar operational role within a complex multi-site environment.

• Experience of managing buildings, grounds, maintenance operations and statutory compliance requirements.

• Demonstrable experience of managing health and safety responsibilities, including risk assessments, compliance monitoring, incident management and the implementation of safe working practices.

• Experience of managing and supervising maintenance teams, contractors and external service providers.

• Experience of planning, managing and delivering maintenance, refurbishment or capital projects from inception through to completion.

• Experience of managing budgets, obtaining quotations, controlling expenditure and ensuring value for money.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of statutory compliance requirements relating to buildings, including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical safety, asbestos management, emergency procedures and other relevant legislation.

• Experience of preparing estates documentation, compliance reports and management information to support senior decision-making and inspection readiness.

• Experience of working within an education, boarding school, residential, healthcare or similarly regulated environment.

• Knowledge of Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and/or Ofsted inspection requirements.

• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification is preferable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of building maintenance, estates operations and facilities management.

• Ability to interpret legislation, compliance requirements, technical reports and building information.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks, develop solutions and implement improvements.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders, staff, contractors and external stakeholders.

• Ability to produce clear reports, recommendations and updates for senior management.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and ensure robust audit trails for compliance purposes.

• Lead, motivate and develop a maintenance team, promoting a positive culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors.

• Flexible and willing to support occasional out-of-hours requirements, including emergency callouts where necessary.