Interim Estates Manager

*Please Note: To be considered for this position, applicants must hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Child Workforce) registered on the Update Service and have previous experience working within a school or educational environment. Applications from candidates without school-based estates or facilities management experience will not be considered*

Interim Estates Manager Location: London Hours: Full time Contract: Until Jan 2027 Salary: £29 an hour UMB

An independent preparatory school is seeking an experienced Interim Estates Manager to lead the management and operation of its estate and facilities function. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring an experienced estates professional who can take ownership of a busy educational environment, ensuring buildings, facilities and compliance obligations are effectively managed. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant and well-presented estate, overseeing maintenance operations, managing contractors and supporting the wider school community through the delivery of an efficient estates service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the school estate and facilities operation.
• Lead planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes across buildings, plant and equipment.
• Manage reactive maintenance issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate records and certification.
• Oversee Health & Safety across the site, promoting best practice and a strong compliance culture.
• Manage external contractors, consultants and service providers, monitoring performance, quality and value for money.
• Coordinate and oversee minor works, refurbishments and improvement projects.
• Maintain compliance documentation relating to fire safety, asbestos, legionella, electrical and gas safety.
• Monitor budgets and approve expenditure in line with agreed financial controls.
• Conduct regular site inspections and identify opportunities to improve the estate.
• Support senior leadership on estates planning, maintenance strategies and operational matters.
• Line manage and support the School Caretaker, providing guidance and direction where required.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience working as an Estates Manager, Facilities Manager or similar role within a school, college, university or educational environment.
• Strong understanding of the operational requirements of a live educational setting, including safeguarding and minimising disruption to teaching and learning.
• Demonstrable experience managing statutory compliance, maintenance programmes and facilities operations across a complex estate.
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety, Fire Safety, Legionella, Asbestos, Electrical Compliance and other key compliance areas.
• Experience managing contractors, consultants and service providers, ensuring high standards of performance and value for money.
• Capable of working autonomously and taking ownership of the estate from day one.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders, staff and external partners.