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- Tasks: Manage school facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Cognita is a global leader in independent education with over 100 unique schools worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, holiday allowances, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive environment where you can make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and a practical background in maintenance are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent role with immediate availability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will be split between Oakleigh House School, Swansea and St Clare's School, Porthcawl.
St Clare's School is a leading independent school for children aged 2 ½ to 18 years of age, carrying a very strong academic profile. Located in the historic village of Newton, we are close to the coast on the outskirts of Porthcawl, South Wales. St Clare's has a rich tradition of providing exceptional education for over 85 years to pupils from Nursery all the way through to Sixth Form. The St Clare's approach reaps rewards, with results from academic yearly progress tests exceeding the national average in all core subjects. We are particularly proud to be in the top 5% of top-performing A-Level schools in the UK for ALPS (A-Level Performance System) since 2018. Our Nursery has won the Day Nurseries UK "Top 20" Award (Wales) for 4 years in a row, based purely on our parents' 10/10 reviews scores.
Oakleigh House School is the only independent preparatory school in Swansea, South Wales. We nurture the development of young minds, beginning at the age of 2 ½ in our Nursery programme, guiding them through the dynamic and challenging primary years until the age of 11, where we prepare them for the transition to secondary education. Our enduring tradition of excellence has empowered generations of pupils to embark on successful journeys in the world, setting a strong foundation for their future endeavours.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Facilities Manager to join our fantastic team.
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.
As the Facilities Manager, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of our school campuses. Reporting to the School Operations Manager, you will oversee the upkeep of the school's infrastructure, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, managing facilities maintenance, and leading a team to deliver exceptional service. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, including managing contractors, conducting regular site inspections, and maintaining a clean, safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. A hands-on approach is essential, as you'll be actively involved in repairs and ensuring that the facilities meet the highest standards. This role will also see you working closely with the senior leadership team, and contributing to projects such as minor refurbishments and improvements. This is a permanent, full-time role immediately available.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and enjoys problem-solving. You should have excellent communication skills, be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and remain calm under pressure. You will have experience in facilities management, ideally across multiple sites, with a good understanding of health and safety regulations. A practical background in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and painting is beneficial. If you're a motivated self-starter with a passion for maintaining high standards in a school environment, we want to hear from you!
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays / Holiday Allowance
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Professional Development
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 20/04/25.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Facilities Manager employer: Cognita Schools
Contact Detail:
Cognita Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health and safety regulations relevant to educational facilities. Understanding these will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your proactive approach to maintaining a safe environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the unique aspects of both Oakleigh House School and St Clare's School. Knowing their history, values, and recent achievements can help you tailor your discussions during interviews and show your genuine interest in the schools.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your problem-solving skills and hands-on approach. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed facilities or projects in previous roles, especially in a school or similar environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Cognita or similar institutions. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Facilities Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with what Cognita is looking for.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in facilities management, particularly across multiple sites. Include specific examples of how you've maintained compliance with health and safety regulations and managed teams effectively.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for maintaining high standards in a school environment. Highlight your problem-solving skills and any practical experience you have in areas like carpentry or plumbing, as these are beneficial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Facilities Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Research the Schools
Before your interview, take some time to learn about both Oakleigh House School and St Clare's School. Understand their values, history, and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss your previous experience in facilities management, especially if you've worked across multiple sites. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed maintenance, compliance with health and safety regulations, and led teams.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
As a Facilities Manager, you'll need to be proactive and organised. Prepare to share specific instances where you've effectively solved problems or improved processes in your previous roles. This will showcase your ability to handle challenges in a school environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the schools. Inquire about the current projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in facilities management. This shows you're engaged and thinking ahead.
