School Facilities Manager (Caretaker)

Lift Unity City; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Unity City is seeking a practical Caretaker to oversee day-to-day upkeep, security and maintenance of the school site. The role works with the School Operations Manager to ensure buildings and grounds are well maintained and safe.

You will open/close the site, manage access, carry out repairs and safety checks, and support events. A full driving licence is required and prior premises experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Premises management

DIY & repairs

Health and safety

Security systems

IT skills

Communication

Manual handling

Driving licence

Education

GCSE Maths/English (4/C) or equivalent

Facilities Services Operative Level 2

Health & Safety qualification

Job description

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

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?

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.

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.

Working pattern

This position is available for an immediate start.

Shifts

• 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.