School Facilities Manager (Caretaker)

Lift Schools; Slapewath; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools is seeking a Practical Caretaker to join our team, ensuring the school site is secure, well maintained and ready for pupils and staff daily. You will open/close, manage alarms, carry out repairs, and supervise safety checks across buildings and grounds.

The role involves coordinating with the School Operations Manager and Area Site Manager to maintain high standards and safe facilities. The candidate should have GCSEs in Maths/English, good DIY skills, and a full driving licence.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
• Experience in premises management, building cleaning, maintenance or building management.
• Good practical DIY and repair skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and COSHH.
• Understanding of site security and security systems.
• Full driving licence.
• Desirable: Facilities Services Level 2 or Health & Safety qualification.

Responsibilities

• Opening, closing and securing the school site.
• Acting as a key holder and handling emergency call-outs.
• Carrying out minor repairs, maintenance and general DIY.
• Keeping buildings and grounds clean, tidy and well presented.
• Carrying out daily and weekly health and safety checks.
• Maintaining records of checks and inspections.
• Identifying maintenance issues and reporting larger works.
• Monitoring contractors on site.
• Moving furniture, equipment and deliveries as needed.
• Setting up areas for activities and community use.
• Supporting safe operation of alarms and security systems.
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and COSHH requirements.

Education

GCSE Maths & English (4/C) or equivalent

Facilities Services Level 2 (desirable)

Health & Safety qualification (desirable)

Job description

Are you practical, reliable, and proud of keeping a school safe, secure, and ready for pupils and staff every day?

We are looking for an experienced Caretaker to join our team and play an important role in the day-to-day running of our school. From opening and securing the site to carrying out repairs, maintenance, and essential safety checks, you'll help ensure our buildings and grounds are well maintained and fit for purpose.

About the school

Think you know Lift Unity City? We might surprise you!

Lift Unity City is fast becoming the local school of choice, driven by an unwavering commitment to transforming futures, breaking social stereotypes, and ensuring every student secures excellent life opportunities, as highlighted by our recent national recognition with the Excellence in Pupil Development Award.

At Lift Unity City, we wholeheartedly believe all young people deserve a well-rounded, culturally rich, and practical education that fully prepares them to be confident in their ability to prosper in tomorrow's world. To be a part of their life-changing journey is a privilege and a pleasure.

About the role

As our Caretaker, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day upkeep, security and maintenance of the school site.

Working closely with the School Operations Manager and Area Site Manager, you'll help ensure our buildings and grounds are maintained to a high standard and that any issues are identified and dealt with quickly and safely.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Opening, closing and securing the school site
• Acting as a key holder and attending emergency call-outs where required
• Carrying out minor repairs, maintenance and general DIY
• Helping to keep the school buildings and grounds clean, tidy and well presented
• Carrying out daily and weekly health and safety and statutory checks
• Maintaining accurate records of checks and inspections
• Identifying maintenance issues and reporting larger works through the appropriate facilities systems
• Monitoring contractors carrying out work on site
• Moving furniture, equipment and deliveries where required
• Setting up areas for school activities, events and community use
• Supporting the safe operation of fire alarms, intruder alarms and other security systems
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and COSHH requirements at all times

We are looking for someone who

You’ll be practical, organised and comfortable managing your own workload while also working as part of a wider team.

You will ideally have previous experience as a caretaker or within premises, facilities, building maintenance or a similar practical role.

You’ll also need:

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent
• Experience of premises management, building cleaning, maintenance or building management
• Good practical DIY and general repair skills
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and COSHH regulations
• An understanding of site security and security systems
• Basic IT skills
• The ability to carry out health and safety checks and maintain appropriate records
• The ability to prioritise tasks and respond effectively when unexpected issues arise
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with a range of people
• The physical ability to undertake practical duties, including lifting and moving items
• A full driving license

Experience or knowledge of plumbing and the ability to carry out basic plumbing repairs is desirable.

A Facilities Services Operative Level 2 qualification and/or a Health & Safety qualification would also be desirable, though not essential.

You must only undertake work for which you have the appropriate experience, competence, qualifications and training. Electrical work must not be undertaken as part of this role.

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

Working pattern

This position is available for an immediate start.

The role will work across a rotating shift pattern to ensure the school site is appropriately covered throughout the day:

• Early shift: 6:00am – 2:00pm
• Day shift: 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Late shift: 11:00am – 7:00pm

Flexibility is required to work across these shifts and, where necessary, to support occasional emergency call‑outs, evenings, weekends, or other school requirements.

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• School Facilities Manager Job Description and Person Specification (1).pdf