Lead Caretaker

Piper Hill High School; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Piper Hill High School is seeking a proactive Lead Caretaker to oversee the school site, buildings and facilities. The role leads the estates team, coordinates security, safety and maintenance, and works closely with the Site Manager to ensure a well-managed, welcoming environment.

The role requires significant estates experience, strong health and safety knowledge, and effective leadership. The position is full time, all year round, with a starting salary of £29,064.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in estates or site management, ideally in a school.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety and COSHH regulations.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and deliver maintenance.
• Experience of managing staff and supervising contractors.
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain records and use facilities management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the school site and facilities.
• Act as keyholder and manage security systems.
• Lead estates staff and monitor performance.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation.
• Coordinate Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme.
• Record checks including fire safety equipment.
• Manage external contractors and monitor performance.
• Oversee grounds maintenance and safe access during severe weather.
• Support lettings, events and setups.
• Maintain accurate records of buildings, facilities and compliance.

Skills

Estates management

Health & safety

Staff leadership

Organisation

IT and records

Tools

Facilities management systems

Job description

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Caretaker to join our fantastic team at Piper Hill High School

This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, all year round with a starting salary of £29,064. (Grade 5) Interviews will take place the week commencing 7th September 2026. The successful candidate will join us as soon as pre-employment checks are complete.

About the role:

As Lead Caretaker, you will play a key role in ensuring our school site, buildings and specialist facilities are safe, secure, well-maintained and welcoming. Working closely with the Site Manager/Operations Manager, you will help oversee the day-to-day management of the school site and provide effective leadership to the estates team.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting the day-to-day management and development of the school site, buildings and specialist facilities
• Acting as a keyholder and managing site security systems, including alarms, CCTV and surveillance systems
• Leading and supervising estates staff, including allocating work, monitoring performance and supporting staff development
• Ensuring the school site is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, presentation and safety, both inside and outside
• Supporting the delivery and monitoring of the school’s Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme
• Ensuring statutory and routine checks are completed and accurately recorded, including fire bells, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire doors
• Coordinating general maintenance and repairs, ensuring work is completed swiftly, safely and to the required standard
• Supporting the estates repairs and maintenance helpdesk and associated systems
• Managing and supervising external contractors, maintaining effective relationships and monitoring performance
• Overseeing grounds maintenance, including maintaining safe access to the site during periods of severe weather
• Supporting the maintenance and upkeep of specialist equipment and facilities across the school
• Supporting the management of cleaning provision and liaising with catering and other external service providers where required
• Supporting the school lettings process and working with external providers
• Ensuring an effective site service and supporting the set-up of furniture and equipment for school events, examinations, meetings and other activities
• Playing a lead role in maintaining high standards of health and safety, security and compliance across the site
• Supporting risk assessments and ensuring health and safety policies and procedures are followed
• Maintaining accurate records and information relating to buildings, facilities, maintenance and compliance
• Responding promptly to site emergencies and attending call-outs when required
• Working flexibly as part of an agreed shift pattern

Who we’re looking for:

We’re looking for a proactive, practical and experienced estates professional who takes pride in maintaining a safe, well-managed school environment.

You will have:

• Significant experience in a relevant discipline, ideally senior caretaking or site management experience within a school or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of health and safety and hygiene procedures, including an awareness of COSHH regulations
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and deliver maintenance programmes effectively
• Experience of managing staff, supporting their development and promoting a positive performance culture
• Experience of working with and supervising external contractors
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and use building/facilities management systems
• Experience of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management would be advantageous
• Experience of managing budgets and preparing costed plans for repairs and maintenance would be advantageous
• Good numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records
• The ability to undertake the physical aspects of the role safely
• Relevant Health & Safety training, such as First Aid, Fire Safety, Fire Evacuation or Legionella Awareness, would be advantageous
• A full valid driving licence, or willingness to obtain one, would be desirable
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to prioritise effectively and work unsociable hours when required
• A collaborative approach and the ability to communicate with staff, students, parents, contractors and other stakeholders with tact and diplomacy

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is committed to maintaining high professional standards and who will contribute positively to the vision, values and continued improvement of our school and Trust.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.