Facilities Manager - Little Edenhurst Nursery

Edenhurst Preparatory School; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership of a private pension scheme

Generous fee remission for staff children

Job summary

Edenhurst Preparatory School in Newcastle-under-Lyme seeks a Facilities Manager to ensure effective maintenance and management of the school’s estate. This position oversees day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

The ideal candidate will have robust experience in facilities management, oversee planned and reactive maintenance, and lead the grounds team. Additional benefits include pension scheme membership and fee remission for staff children.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in estates or facilities management.
• Willingness to be hands-on with capital projects.
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day facilities and maintenance operations.
• Lead planned and reactive maintenance.
• Oversee compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage external contractors effectively.
• Monitor capital project progress.

Skills

Estates or facilities management experience

Capital projects management

Health and safety legislation understanding

Grounds or sports facility management

Job description

Responsible to: Nursery Manager andExecutive Nursery Manager

Hours:Monday to Friday, 6:30am - 3:00pm

The Facilities Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance and upkeep of the school estate. This includes buildings, infrastructure, grounds and facilities services, ensuring the school remains safe, compliant and well maintained at all times.

The postholder will lead on planned and reactive maintenance, line manage the site team, and play a direct, hands‑on role in the implementation of capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, personally undertaking agreed elements of work alongside managing contractors. The role also includes full responsibility for the presentation and maintenance of the school’s extensive grounds.

The Facilities Manager is a key contributor to the school’s health and safety culture, ensuring that all aspects of the estate are managed in line with statutory requirements and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Maintenance and Compliance

• Lead and deliver a comprehensive planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme across the estate
• Oversee all reactive maintenance, ensuring issues are resolved promptly and effectively
• Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations, including health and safety, fire safety, water hygiene and electrical testing
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of all inspections, servicing and compliance documentation
• Manage external contractors, ensuring high standards of work, safety and value for money
• Support inspections and audits, including ISI and other regulatory bodies

Capital Projects (CAPEX)

• Plan, coordinate and deliver agreed capital projects across the estate
• Work closely with Nursery manager and the Executive Nursery Manager to prioritise projects aligned with the school’s strategic and financial plans
• Supportproject specifications, budgets and timelines
• Appoint and manage contractors, consultants and suppliers
• Monitor project progress, ensuring delivery on time and within budget
• Implement aspects of capital projects directly, taking a hands‑on role in agreed works in addition to overseeing contractors
• Ensure all projects meet required standards of safety, quality and compliance

Grounds and External Environment

• Oversee the maintenance and development of the school grounds, including sports pitches (liaising with Nursery manager and the Executive Nursery Manager), landscaping and outdoor spaces
• Manage the grounds team and any specialist contractors
• Ensure grounds are safe, well presented and fit for purpose throughout the year
• Develop practical, sustainable approaches to grounds management, including environmental and biodiversity initiatives

Health, Safety and Risk Management

• Take a leading role in promoting and maintaining a strong health and safety culture across the estate
• Ensure all facilities operations comply with current health and safety legislation and best practice
• Support and contribute to risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Work closely with the school’s Health and Safety Lead, Nursery manager and the Executive Nursery Manager
• Ensure contractors adhere to appropriate safety standards and protocols
• Respond to emergencies and site incidents as required

Team Leadership and Operations

• Set clear expectations and maintain high standards of workmanship and responsiveness
• Plan staff rotas and ensure appropriate site coverage, including out of hours where required
• Foster a culture of pride in the estate and accountability for standards

Budget and Financial Coordination

• In conjunction with the Nursery Manager and the Executive Nursery Manager, manage the facilities and maintenance budget effectively
• With the Nursery Manager and the Executive Nursery Manager, monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for cost efficiency
• Provide input into longer term estate planning and capital investment
• Ensure accurate reporting and financial oversight of projects and maintenance activity

Communication and Liaison

• Work closely with the Nursery Manager and the Executive Nursery Manager in the strategic and operational management of the estate
• Liaise regularly with the Nursery Manager and the Executive Nursery Manager on budgeting, procurement and financial planning
• Coordinate with the central office team at Bellevue, particularly the Nursery Manager and the Executive Nursery Manager, to ensure alignment with group standards and projects
• Maintain clear and professional communication with staff, contractors and external stakeholders

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in estates or facilities management, ideally within an educational or similar environment
• Experience of managing capital projects and contractors, with a willingness to be hands‑on where appropriate
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and statutory compliance
• Experience of grounds or sports facility management desirable

Skills and Attributes

• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem solving ability
• Well organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy environment
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• High attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards
• Clear and professional communication skills

Revision of Job Description

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope of the post. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are an accurate representation of the post.

Other benefits

• Membership of a private pension scheme
• Generous fee remission if you choose to send your own child(ren) to Little Edenhurst Nursery