Job Description

POSITION	Estates Manager
REPORTS TO	Bursar
CONTRACT TYPE	Full-Time (Permanent)Typical hours: 7.00am – 3.30pm, 40 hours per week(Some flexibility required for school events and emergency situations) *
LINE MANAGEMENT	Caretaker, Groundsman, Estate Co-ordinator / Assistant

* Out of Hours support (subject to discussion, may be optional)

Out of Hours / Emergency Support is required by the School. If the role holder takes on this on, rent- free on-site family accommodation will be provided. This will be necessary to meet the obligations effectively and to ensure better performance of the role-holder’s duties.

The Role

The Estates Manager has overall responsibility for the effective maintenance, safety, compliance, and presentation of the school estate. This is a senior, hands-on role combining strategic oversight with practical involvement, ensuring that buildings, grounds, and facilities are safe, operational, compliant, and well presented at all times.

The role-holder will lead and manage the site team, oversee contractors, plan and deliver maintenance programmes, and work closely with the Bursar to support the school’s long-term estates strategy.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Estate and Facilities Management

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and operation of all school buildings, services, and grounds.

• Ensure all reactive, planned, and preventative maintenance works are carried out efficiently and to a high standard.

• Maintain the school site so that it is safe, clean, compliant, and presented at its best at all times.

• Undertake regular site inspections and proactively identify improvements, risks, and development opportunities.

Planned Maintenance and Projects

• Develop, manage, and deliver weekly, monthly, annual, and termly maintenance programmes, including out-ofterm works.

• Produce and present maintenance plans and updates to the Bursar and Buildings & Estates Committee.

• Oversee delivery of recommendations arising from the 5-year Building Condition Survey and track progress to completion.

• Manage estates-related projects, ensuring works are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard.

Contractor and Supplier Management

• Source, assess, and appoint contractors and suppliers, obtaining quotes and tenders in line with school procedures.

• Maintain accurate contractor records and ensure all inductions, approvals, and insurances are in place prior to works commencing.

• Supervise contractors on site to ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and quality standards.

• Monitor contractor performance and manage ongoing supplier relationships.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Hold responsibility for statutory compliance across the estate, including (but not limited to):

o Fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment

o Emergency lighting

o Electrical testing (PAT and fixed wire)

o Water safety

o Other relevant statutory inspections and certifications

Ensure appropriate records are maintained and audits are up to date.

• Work with the Bursar to ensure the school meets all legal and regulatory requirements relating to buildings and estates.

Team Leadership and Management

Line manage the site team.

• Prioritise workloads and rotas to ensure effective cover and service delivery.

• Provide guidance, training, and support to develop team capability and performance.

Foster a collaborative, flexible, and service-focused culture.

Operational Support to the School

• Provide practical support to ensure the smooth operation of the school site, including:

o Supporting grounds maintenance and sports field preparation

o Assisting with school events (e.g. sports days, events, parking arrangements)

o Supporting site safety during adverse weather (snow clearance, gritting, storm response)

• Drive the school minibus where required (subject to correct licence).

Financial and Budgetary Support

• Assist the Bursar with budgeting for maintenance, repairs, and projects.

Monitor expenditure against agreed budgets and provide value-for-money solutions.

Additional Note

The development objectives outlined above are not exhaustive and should be applied flexibly. They may be reviewed, refined, or updated as required during the remainder of the probationary period, reflecting the needs of the school and the role.

From time to time, the post holder may also be required to undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role, as directed by the Bursar or Head, or as necessitated by operational requirements.

SAFEGUARDING

At Beachborough, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child-centred, this means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

The post holders must adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, he/she must report any concerns to the DSL.

Beachborough is committed to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo all necessary pre-employment checks. Full details are given on the application form and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities

Beachborough School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from appropriately qualified persons regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, religion, disability, or age. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e., skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.

In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act, Beachborough School seeks to treat those with disabilities as favourably as those without disabilities. It will make reasonable arrangements, wherever practicable, to avoid putting those with disabilities at a disadvantage.

Person Specification

Area	Essential	Desirable
QUALIFICATIONS	● Significant experience in building maintenanceor a skilled tradespersonFull, clean UK driving licence	● Relevant professional tradequalificationHealth & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSHor equivalent)
EXPERIENCE	Significant experience in general buildingmaintenance and repairs /and or skilled tradesProven experience managing contractors andplanned maintenance programmesAbility to undertake routine maintenance tasksExperience of managing own time effectivelyand demonstrating initiativeStrong IT skills, including Microsoft Office	Experience working within a school oreducational environmentExperience managing estates budgetsand minor capital projectsGrounds maintenance experience,including use of tractors or ride-onmowers
KNOWLEDGE ANDUNDERSTANDING	Strong understanding of building maintenanceand compliance requirementsAbility to identify risks, prioritise tasks, and planeffectivelyBasic understanding of electrical, mechanical,and plumbing systemsCommitment to maintaining high standards ofpresentation and safety	Strong understanding of buildingmaintenance and compliancerequirementsAbility to identify risks, prioritise tasks,and plan eff ectivelyBasic understanding of electrical,mechanical, and plumbing systemsCommitment to maintaining highstandards of presentation and safety
Area	Essential
PERSONALCHARACTERISTICS	● Proactive, organised, and self-motivatedWillingness to undertake a wide variety of activities to ensure the school is alwayspresented at its bestStrong leadership and interpersonal skillsComfortable liaising with contractors, staff, and senior stakeholdersFlexible and wiling to support occasional events outside core hoursTakes pride in the school environment and leads by exampleStrong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

In return, we offer the successful candidate:

• A superb campus and a delightful, caring, school environment in which to work.

Dedicated and supportive governors, staff, and parents

• A leadership team that will provide you with help, support, and assistance.

• A remuneration package, including a competitive salary (commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant).

• Lunch and refreshments provided

• Parking

General Notes

Beachborough is committed to safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo all necessary pre-employment checks. Full details are given on the application form, and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Created: April 2026