Site Manager

Fairisle Junior School; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairisle Junior School is seeking a skilled Site Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of both school sites, ensuring safe, clean, and welcoming environments for pupils, staff, and visitors. You will manage premises, facilities, and grounds, working closely with the Executive Business Manager and Headteachers.

The role requires practical DIY and maintenance skills, a strong commitment to safeguarding, and the ability to lead cleaning teams and coordinate external contractors.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing school premises and facilities.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety standards.
• Ability to supervise cleaning staff and external contractors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security, access control, and after-hours call-outs across two sites.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain logs.
• Lead cleaning teams and arrange regular maintenance and deep cleans.
• Coordinate repairs, refurbishments, and engagement with external contractors.
• Maintain outdoor grounds and set up spaces for events.
• Support lettings outside normal hours where applicable.

Skills

Site management

Health & safety knowledge

Team leadership

DIY/maintenance skills

Job description

The Fairisle Schools comprise Fairisle Infant & Nursery School and Fairisle Junior School, working collaboratively to provide an inspiring, caring, and vibrant learning environment for our pupils. We are seeking to appoint a skilled, proactive, and dependable Site Manager to take pride in our school estate and ensure that both school sites remain safe, secure, clean, and welcoming for children, staff, and visitors.

The Role

As our Site Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operational management of the premises, facilities, and grounds across both schools. You will play a crucial, hands‑on role in creating safe and well‑maintained environments where learning can flourish.

Working closely with the Executive Business Manager and Headteachers, you will organise your time effectively between both sites, supervising cleaning teams, managing routine maintenance, and overseeing external contractors.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Security & Access: Acting as the principal keyholder across both sites, managing premises security, alarm systems, and emergency out-of-hours call‑outs.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensuring adherence to statutory regulations and policies; completing routine checks, risk assessments, fire safety logs, and water/utilities monitoring.
• Cleaning Management: Leading, supervising, training, and monitoring the cleaning team to ensure consistently high standards across all buildings, including deep cleans during school closures.
• Maintenance & Improvement: Carrying out minor repairs, internal redecoration, and planned maintenance, as well as coordinating and supervising specialist external contractors.
• Grounds & Facilities: Maintaining safe, clean, and attractive external grounds (including gritting and snow clearance during adverse weather) and setting up furniture/equipment for school events and assemblies.
• Lettings & Out-of-Hours Support: Assisting with community lettings outside normal school hours (where applicable, this attracts additional pay).

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic, practical, and highly organised individual who:

• Takes pride in high standards of workmanship, site safety, and cleanliness.
• Has practical DIY/maintenance skills and a sound working knowledge of health and safety standards.
• Can manage their own workload across two busy school sites with initiative and adaptability.
• Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with school leaders.
• Demonstrates a committed, professional approach to safeguarding and child welfare.