Events & Facilities Manager in Thatcham

About this Role

Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls based in Cold Ash, near Thatcham. Our Estates team is committed to the upkeep of our attractive school site and ensuring the safety of pupils and staff at all times. We are fortunate that our pupils can live and learn in modern, beautiful and natural surroundings. The Estates Department plays a big role in maintaining our impressive site and grounds and ensuring that all our facilities are safe, compliant and in good working order.

We are looking to appoint an Events and Facilities Manager to join our busy team. The role has three core areas of responsibility:

• The planning, coordination, and delivery of events hosted on and around the School estate;
• Residential property management related to resident staff living on site or in properties off site close to the school;
• Co‑coordination of commercial lettings.

You will work with the wider Estates Team to manage communication and associated services for events across the school calendar. Some flexible working will be required to support school events which sometimes occur in the evenings and weekends. This will include being part of the termly weekend rota as the on‑site Duty Manager approximately 3 weekend days (Saturday or Sunday) per term. You will line manage the small Events and Facilities Team under the guidance of the Head of Maintenance and Facilities.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience in event management, hospitality, facilities, or venue operations.
• Be able to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
• Have knowledge of health & safety and risk management in event settings.
• Be a confident communicator to establish professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience dealing with contractors and third party suppliers would be advantageous.
• Good motivator as a line manager and project lead, able to generate enthusiasm.
• Be IT competent.
• Previous experience in a school/boarding school environment would be an advantage.

Benefits Include:

• Generous employer pension scheme – 9% employer contribution
• Life insurance and critical illness cover
• Delicious free meals while on duty
• Discounted school fees
• Regular CPD opportunities
• Beautiful working environment in a semi‑rural location
• Modern gym and swimming pool facilities, for staff use at set times
• A variety of social occasions through the year

Closing date: 7th March 2026

Tentative on‑site interview date: 12th/13th March

The selection process will involve an initial Teams screening call followed by an on‑site interview. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS), satisfactory references, and social media checks. At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.