Head of Estates

The Independent Schools Council; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three-bedroom cottage on site

Fee reductions for children

Job summary

The Independent Schools Council is seeking a Head of Estates to lead the school’s estate, buildings, grounds, security and facilities across West London. This is a broad operational leadership role requiring practical problem-solving and strong organisational skills.

You will balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, manage resources and drive improvements while ensuring safety and contractor management. This is a visible, impact-driven position within a welcoming school community.

Qualifications

• Experience in estates, facilities, operations, construction, engineering or similar environment is valuable.
• Hands-on leader who can organise people and resources and drive practical solutions.
• Ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the School’s estate, buildings, grounds, security, contractors, facilities, health and safety and day-to-day operational resilience.
• Lead operational delivery and resilience on-site, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Coordinate with contractors and internal teams to plan maintenance and improvements.

Skills

Estate management

Leadership

Project coordination

Health and safety

Communication skills

Job description

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Head of Estates to join our vibrant and inspirational school community. As a thriving independent day school in Ealing, West London we pride ourselves on our extensive grounds, diverse academic and extracurricular programs, and strong sense of community.

About the Role: This is a broad and varied operational leadership role with responsibility for the School’s estate, buildings, grounds, security, contractors, facilities, health and safety and day-to-day operational resilience.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving problems, organising people and resources, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, spotting issues before they become problems and driving practical solutions.

About You: You should be organised with excellent practical judgement, strong communication skills and a positive, can-do approach. You should be capable of balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day operational delivery.

Experience gained in estates, facilities, operations, the armed forces, construction, engineering or a similar environment would be particularly valuable.

Why Join Us? In addition to a competitive salary, this role includes a charming three-bedroom cottage located within the School grounds, providing a significant accommodation benefit in one of London's most desirable locations. The successful candidate may also benefit from substantial fee reductions for their children attending the School.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a welcoming school community, working within a beautiful estate and making a lasting impact on the environment in which our pupils learn and thrive.