Facilities Manager

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Northiam; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school is seeking a Facilities Manager to head the management, maintenance and development of its historic estate. You will guide the Estates team, ensuring safety, compliance and presentation to the highest standards across buildings, grounds and facilities.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, requiring strong planning, organisational and communication skills, plus qualifications in health and safety and experience

Qualifications

• Experience leading Estates or facilities teams in a school or similar environment.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver both reactive and proactive maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety compliance and risk management.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Estates, Grounds and Housekeeping teams and drive performance.
• Oversee statutory compliance, health and safety, fire safety and risk management.
• Manage maintenance programmes and capital works with value-for-money delivery.
• Run facilities operations, security, utilities and transport arrangements.
• Support events, lettings and community partnerships and sustainability goals.

Skills

Team management

Facilities management

Planning & organisation

Communication skills

Hands-on leadership

Budget management

Contractor management

Microsoft Office

Education

IOSH/NEBOSH H&S qualification

Tools

Helpdesk systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced Facilities or Estates professional looking for a varied leadership role in a unique educational setting?

Our client, an independent co-educational day and boarding school specialising in dyslexia and co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulties, is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Facilities Manager to lead the management, maintenance and development of their historic estate.

The Role

Reporting to the Bursar, you will be responsible for ensuring our client's buildings, grounds and facilities are safe, compliant, well-maintained and presented to the highest standards. You will lead the Estates team and oversee all aspects of facilities management, health and safety, compliance, grounds maintenance, security, transport and contractor management.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent organisational skills, strong technical knowledge and the ability to manage both day-to-day operations and longer-term improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Estates, Grounds and Housekeeping teams.
• Manage statutory compliance, health and safety, fire safety and risk management across the school.
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Manage facilities, security systems, utilities, waste contracts and contractor performance.
• Deliver minor works and capital projects, ensuring value for money and high standards of delivery.
• Maintain the school's transport fleet, including minibuses.
• Support school events, commercial lettings and community partnerships.
• Contribute to the school's sustainability ambitions and net zero objectives.

About You

Our client is looking for a motivated and forward-thinking individual who can combine strategic oversight with a practical, hands-on approach.

Essential Requirements Include:

• Experience managing teams and delivering excellent customer service.
• Facilities management, estates or maintenance management experience.
• Strong planning, organisational and communication skills.
• IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent Health and Safety qualification.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and contractors.
• Experience delivering maintenance and minor works projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and helpdesk systems.
• A flexible, calm and proactive approach with a willingness to be hands-on when required.
• Experience working within a school environment.
• Experience managing listed buildings.
• Technical trade background.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and best practice.

Hours

7:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for emergencies and participation in the on-call rota.

Why Join Our Client?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing development of a unique and welcoming school community. You will have the opportunity to make a visible impact on the historic estate while supporting the learning and wellbeing of their pupils, staff and visitors.