School Estates Manager

Oxford Spires Academy; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Financial benefits

Job summary

Oxford Spires Academy, part of Anthem multi-academy trust, seeks an experienced School Estates Manager to lead the premises team and ensure safe, efficient operation of the school's buildings and facilities. The post-holder will line manage Premises Assistants, coordinate maintenance, and oversee compliance, fire safety, and security in line with Trust policies.

The role involves coordinating capital projects, managing contractors, and supporting estate improvements, with rotating early and late

Job description

Oxford Spires Academy

Our school is proud to be part of Anthem, a multi-academy trust that creates ambitious and successful schools where every child thrives.

Oxford Spires Academy aims to be a beacon of excellence at the heart of its local community, with a firm belief that all students are capable of making outstanding progress whatever their starting point. Oxford Spires Academy provides a safe, supportive and ambitious environment built on high expectations, strong relationships, pride, community and family, and is proud of its multicultural, multi-faith community where diversity is celebrated.

Role purpose

To ensure the safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation of the school's premises and facilities. The School Estates Manager is a senior site-based role responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of all premises functions within a secondary school. The post-holder will line manage Premises Assistants, coordinate maintenance and compliance activities, and ensure the school environment is safe, secure, and fit for purpose at all times, in support of the Trust's estates strategy, policies and procedures.

Main duties and responsibilities

Health & Safety and Statutory Compliance

Act as a key point of contact for health and safety matters on site, supporting the senior leadership team.

Ensure all statutory compliance checks are carried out in accordance with legal requirements and Trust policy (including fire safety, legionella, asbestos, electrical testing, gas safety, and lifting equipment where applicable).

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all compliance activities, inspections, and certifications.

Conduct regular health and safety walkarounds and site inspections, reporting and actioning hazards promptly.

Assist in fire evacuation and lockdown procedures, including coordinating the premises team during drills and incidents.

Ensure all risk assessments relevant to the premises function are in place, reviewed, and communicated to the team.

Estates and Facilities Management

Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the school's buildings, grounds, and facilities.

Implement a programme of planned preventative maintenance (PPM), ensuring tasks are allocated, tracked, and completed.

Carry out and supervise general maintenance and minor repairs across the site (e.g. joinery, plumbing, decorating, electrical as competent to do so).

Manage the upkeep of the school grounds, including pathways, car parks, playing fields, and external areas.

Monitor and manage utility systems (heating, ventilation, lighting) to ensure efficient operation and report faults.

Ensure all plant and equipment is serviced, maintained, and operated safely.

Manage key holding responsibilities and the opening and closing of the school site.

Obtain and share relevant information about the school calendar of events and routines to enable effective planning and capacity for set up and take down of furniture and resources as required.

Contractor Management

Liaise with approved contractors for maintenance, repair, and improvement works, obtaining quotes as required.

Ensure contractors are appropriately vetted, inducted, and supervised on site in accordance with Trust procedures.

Monitor the quality and progress of contractor work, raising concerns with the Regional Estates Manager where appropriate.

Maintain accurate records of contractor visits, works undertaken, and sign-off documentation.

Capital Projects and Estates Improvement

Support the Regional Estates Manager in the delivery of capital improvement and refurbishment projects on site.

Assist with scoping of works, liaising with contractors, and overseeing site activity during project delivery.

Contribute to the development and review of the school's estate improvement plan.

Risk Management and Reporting

Maintain and update the premises risk register, reporting significant risks to the Regional Estates Manager.

Complete and submit all required premises-related reports in a timely manner.

Ensure incident and near-miss reports relating to the estate are properly recorded and followed up.

Keep the Regional Estates Manager informed of any matters that could impact the safe operation of the site.

People Management

Directly line manage Premises Assistants, including allocating daily tasks, monitoring performance, and providing support and guidance.

Carry out regular supervision meetings and contribute to annual appraisals for members of the premises team.

Manage staff rotas to ensure appropriate site cover throughout the school day, evenings, weekends, and holiday periods as required.

Support the induction and training of new premises staff.

Identify training needs within the team and work with the Regional Estates Manager to address these.

Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team culture.

General Responsibilities

Uphold and promote the school's and trust's values, policies, and procedures at all times.

Maintain a professional and courteous manner when dealing with staff, pupils, parents, contractors, and visitors.

Participate in relevant training and continuing professional development as required.

Contribute to the broader school community, including supporting events and activities that require premises input (e.g. lettings, school productions, open days).

Manage the storage, use, and disposal of hazardous substances (COSHH) in accordance with regulations.

Ensure the faithful and consistent adoption of agreed tools and procedures both personally and across the estates team.

Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by the Regional Estates Manager or senior leadership, commensurate with the grade and nature of the post. Including supporting local schools within the region with support and capacity as identified.

Scope and Limitations

The principal responsibilities and tasks set out above are not intended to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities, commensurate with the post's grade and whenever reasonably instructed.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The successful candidate will have a right to work in the UK.

Anthem Schools Trust uses standardised job titles across its schools to support consistency and career progression. The title of this role is School Estates Manager. Within the education sector and wider employment market, equivalent roles may also be referred to as Site Manager, Facilities Manager, Senior Caretaker or similar. Employees may wish to reference these equivalent sector-recognised titles when describing their experience and responsibilities in job applications, CVs or professional profiles. The contractual title of the post remains School Estates Manager.

Additional Information

Working Pattern: This role operates on a rotating shift basis, with hours varying between early (6:30am to 2:30pm) and late (2:00pm to 10:00pm) shifts during the week. The role also includes weekend working on a rota basis, covering 8:00am to 4:00pm one weekend in every four.

Location: Based at Oxford Spires Academy as part of the National Team, with regular travel required to support other sites across the region.

Benefits

As part of Anthem Schools Trust, staff benefit from a supportive working environment and access to a range of employee benefits, including health and wellbeing support, professional development opportunities and financial benefits.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, suitable references and other essential checks. Staff involved in recruitment and selection are trained in safer recruitment, and all staff and volunteers undertake child protection training.