Estates Manager (Cambridge)

Job Purpose The Estates Manager is responsible for the operational management of the estate across a group of three schools and colleges in Cambridge. Ensuring that all buildings, facilities and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. The postholder will lead the delivery of day-to-day estates operations, providing a safe, compliant and efficient environment that supports teaching, learning and boarding provision. Reporting to the Bursar, the Estates Manager will oversee facilities management across 12 boarding houses and 7 academic buildings, manage a team of maintenance staff and coordinate external contractors, coordinate school lettings, lead on statutory compliance and health and safety inspections, and ensure the estate is fully prepared for ISI and OFSTED inspections through the effective management of compliance records, statutory testing, risk management and the maintenance of safe, fit-for-purpose facilities. The postholder will also deliver maintenance and capital projects from inception through to completion, ensuring works are completed safely, on time and within budget. The Estates Manager will provide professional advice and recommendations to the Bursar on estates matters, supporting the development of operational plans and contributing to the effective stewardship of the estate.

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Key Responsibilities

In addition to the operational responsibilities detailed elsewhere in this job description, the Estates Manager will:

• Undertake regular site inspections and report regularly to the Bursar on the condition, performance and compliance of the estate. Providing timely management information, reports and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Support the Bursar in the preparation of estates budgets, maintenance plans and capital project proposals.
• Deliver operational estates objectives in line with the strategic priorities set by the Principals and Bursar.
• Maintain effective operational systems, including site security, opening and closing procedures, emergency callouts, record keeping, compliance documentation, procurement and contractor management.
• Oversee statutory compliance and health and safety, acting as the Group's Health and Safety Lead, including the development, implementation, and review of health and safety policies, risk assessments, emergency procedures, and lockdown protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all employees, visitors, and service users.
• Coordinating other essential compliance activities including fire safety, water hygiene, emergency lighting, PAT testing, fixed wire inspections and other mandatory checks.
• Escalate significant compliance issues, risks or major maintenance requirements promptly and provide technical expertise and advice on building maintenance, compliance, refurbishment and improvement projects.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards, reporting progress and risks throughout.
• Lead on estates compliance and health and safety, ensuring the Group maintains full statutory compliance by maintaining accurate compliance records and implementing any required remedial actions to ensure they are continuously prepared for inspections.

The Estates Manager reports directly to the Bursar, who retains overall strategic responsibility for the estate, capital planning, governance reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Works closely with

• Bursar
• Principals of Schools and Colleges
• Maintenance Team
• External Contractors and Consultants
• Regulatory Bodies

Person Specification Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in estates management, facilities management, property management or a similar operational role within a complex multi-site environment.
• Experience of managing buildings, grounds, maintenance operations and statutory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of managing health and safety responsibilities, including risk assessments, compliance monitoring, incident management and the implementation of safe working practices.
• Experience of managing and supervising maintenance teams, contractors and external service providers.
• Experience of planning, managing and delivering maintenance, refurbishment or capital projects from inception through to completion.
• Experience of managing budgets, obtaining quotations, controlling expenditure and ensuring value for money.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of statutory compliance requirements relating to buildings, including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical safety, asbestos management, emergency procedures and other relevant legislation.
• Experience of preparing estates documentation, compliance reports and management information to support senior decision-making and inspection readiness.
• Experience of working within an education, boarding school, residential, healthcare or similarly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and/or Ofsted inspection requirements.
• NEBOSH qualification is preferable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong technical knowledge of building maintenance, estates operations and facilities management.
• Ability to interpret legislation, compliance requirements, technical reports and building information.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks, develop solutions and implement improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders, staff, contractors and external stakeholders.
• Ability to produce clear reports, recommendations and updates for senior management.
• Strong IT skills, including experience of using facilities management systems, compliance databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage procurement processes, negotiate with suppliers and ensure contractors deliver against agreed standards.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and ensure robust audit trails for compliance purposes.
• Lead, motivate and develop a maintenance team, promoting a positive culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide confident and informed advice to the Bursar and senior leadership team on estates matters, risks and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively across the schools and colleges to ensure estates services support teaching, learning and boarding provision.
• Promote a proactive approach to maintenance, identifying opportunities for improvement rather than relying solely on reactive solutions.
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors.
• Flexible and willing to support occasional out-of-hours requirements, including emergency callouts where necessary.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Support the organisation's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Understand and implement appropriate health and safety procedures, emergency response arrangements and lockdown protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards at all times.
• Complete all required pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance and other safeguarding requirements
  Proven experience in estates management, facilities management, property management or a similar operational role within a complex multi-site environment.
• Experience of managing buildings, grounds, maintenance operations and statutory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of managing health and safety responsibilities, including risk assessments, compliance monitoring, incident management and the implementation of safe working practices.
• Experience of managing and supervising maintenance teams, contractors and external service providers.
• Experience of planning, managing and delivering maintenance, refurbishment or capital projects from inception through to completion.
• Experience of managing budgets, obtaining quotations, controlling expenditure and ensuring value for money.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of statutory compliance requirements relating to buildings, including fire safety, water hygiene, electrical safety, asbestos management, emergency procedures and other relevant legislation.
• Experience of preparing estates documentation, compliance reports and management information to support senior decision-making and inspection readiness.
• Experience of working within an education, boarding school, residential, healthcare or similarly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and/or Ofsted inspection requirements.
• NEBOSH qualification is preferable.