Regional Estates Operations Manager

Lift Schools; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools seeks a Regional Estates Operations Manager to lead estates operations across our North region, based at Lift Firth Park in Sheffield. You will ensure schools are safe, welcoming and fit for the future, while developing regional teams and delivering value.

You’ll oversee compliance, budgets and capital projects, collaborating with school leaders, contractors and suppliers. The role is permanent, full-time with hybrid working (office 3 days, remote 2 days).

Qualifications

• Experience in estates, facilities or operations.
• Strong budget oversight and cost control.
• Ability to lead and develop site managers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Area Site Managers in the North region.
• Oversee estates compliance, maintenance and statutory requirements.
• Support capital projects and asset management plans.
• Build relationships with schools, contractors and colleagues.
• Manage regional estates budgets and deliver value for money.
• Respond to urgent estates issues and changing priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems and processes.

Skills

Estates management

Budget management

People leadership

Safety & compliance

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Job description

Help shape learning spaces where every child can thrive

Are you an experienced estates, facilities or operations professional ready to take on a regional role? Do you enjoy leading people, solving problems and building strong relationships?

We're looking for a Regional Estates Operations Manager to lead estates operations across our North region. Based at Lift Firth Park in Sheffield and working across our schools in the region, you'll help ensure our buildings are safe, compliant, welcoming and fit for the future.

About the role

No two days will look quite the same. You'll lead and support Area Site Managers, oversee estates compliance and budgets, contribute to capital projects and help bring our Estates Strategy to life.

Do you stay calm when the unexpected happens? You'll be trusted to make sound decisions, find practical solutions and support our schools when they need you most. You'll work closely with school leaders, colleagues, contractors and suppliers.

Could you use your experience to help us create great places for our pupils and colleagues to learn and work?

Key responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop Area Site Managers across the North region
• Oversee estates compliance, maintenance and statutory requirements
• Support capital projects and longer-term asset management plans
• Build trusted relationships with schools, contractors, suppliers and colleagues
• Manage regional estates budgets and deliver value for money
• Respond effectively to urgent estates issues and changing priorities
• Find opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working

What we're looking for

Are you confident managing competing priorities? Do you build strong relationships with stakeholders? Can you make sound decisions under pressure?

You'll bring experience from estates, facilities, premises or a related operational environment. You'll understand health and safety and be comfortable managing budgets and using technology. You'll also know how to support and develop others.

You'll need GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent) and a valid UK driving licence.

Experience in the education sector isn't essential. We're open to candidates with transferable experience and will support the right person to develop their sector-specific knowledge. A health and safety qualification would be helpful, but isn't essential.

If you're collaborative, solutions-focused and motivated to improve how things are done, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours per week. Hybrid remote (office-based 3 days, remote 2 days). We're looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Regional Estates Operations Manager Job Description & Person Specification (August 2026).pdf