Estates & Operations Leader: Safety & Facilities

Reed; Sunbury-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Christmas closure

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Head of Estates and Operations to oversee day-to-day management of school-site estates and operational functions. You will ensure a safe, well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, and visitors, and lead multiple teams including Estates/Caretaking, Minibus, and Administration.

The role requires significant estates experience, strong leadership, and robust Health & Safety knowledge. You will manage budgets and contracts, drive maintenance programs, and work closely with the

Qualifications

• Significant experience in estates, facilities, and operational management.
• Proven leadership experience with staff motivation and high standards.
• Strong Health and Safety knowledge and qualification (NEBOSH or equivalent).
• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and safety/compliance.
• Experience coordinating projects in an operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Estates and Operations function to deliver a professional, responsive service.
• Line manage Estates/Caretaking, Minibus, and Administration teams.
• Provide direction, supervision, and development for team members.
• Set objectives and perform performance management.
• Identify and address staff training needs.
• Support recruitment within teams per school policies.
• Establish effective communication and regular team meetings.
• Promote high standards of presentation, safety, and operations of the school.
• Keep COO informed and escalate safety/compliance concerns.
• Collaborate with COO on estates priorities and implement improvements.
• Provide advice on estates, facilities, Health & Safety, security, and operations.

Skills

Estates management

Facilities management

Leadership

Health & Safety

Project management

Budget management

Contract management

Staff development

Microsoft 365

Communication

Education

NEBOSH National General Certificate

Degree in engineering/facilities

Tools

MS 365

Estates management software

Job description

Reed is seeking a Head of Estates and Operations to oversee day-to-day management of school-site estates and operational functions. You will ensure a safe, well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, and visitors, and lead multiple teams including Estates/Caretaking, Minibus, and Administration.

The role requires significant estates experience, strong leadership, and robust Health & Safety knowledge. You will manage budgets and contracts, drive maintenance programs, and work closely with the