At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the operational environment at St Leonards School.
- Company: St Leonards School, a prestigious institution focused on exceptional education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape the future.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to sustainability and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the educational experience through strategic facilities management.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in estates and facilities management with strong compliance knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a significant leadership opportunity to shape the future operational environment of St Leonards School. The Head of Estates and Facilities will provide strategic and operational leadership across the School’s estate, facilities, compliance, and operational support services, ensuring the delivery of a safe, compliant, efficient, and high-quality environment that supports an exceptional educational experience.
The postholder will oversee a complex estate of 19 buildings operating within a busy day and boarding school environment with 24/7 operational requirements. The role is responsible for estates infrastructure, facilities management, health and safety compliance, transport operations, grounds, cleaning services, capital projects, and operational resilience.
As a senior leader, the postholder will play a key role in modernising systems, improving operational performance, strengthening compliance assurance, supporting sustainability ambitions, and delivering strategic estate improvements aligned to the School’s long-term priorities.
The role manages an annual operational budget of approximately £450k alongside a multi‑year capital investment programme and leads a multi‑disciplinary workforce of approximately 25–30 staff plus contractors. The post holder will work closely with the Board, Head, DFO, and Executive Leadership Team and will sit on the Senior Management Team.
Head of Estates and Facilities employer: George Watson'S College
St Leonards School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering a collaborative work culture where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. As the Head of Estates and Facilities, you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team in a vibrant educational environment, with access to ongoing development opportunities and a commitment to maintaining a safe and high-quality campus for both students and staff. Located in a picturesque setting, the school fosters a sense of community and purpose, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates and Facilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in estates and facilities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've improved operational performance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to schools or organisations you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their mission and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates and Facilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've shaped operational environments in the past and how you can bring that expertise to St Leonards School.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements related to estates and facilities management. We love numbers, so if you’ve managed budgets or led teams, let us know the figures!
Align with Our Values:Take a moment to understand our mission and values. In your application, reflect how your personal and professional goals align with our commitment to providing a safe and high-quality educational environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of estates and facilities management. Brush up on compliance regulations, health and safety standards, and operational strategies relevant to a school environment. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about creating a safe and efficient space for students.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Prepare examples of how you’ve led multi-disciplinary teams, tackled challenges, and improved operational performance. This will help the interviewers envision you in the role and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research St Leonards School’s values and long-term priorities. Be ready to discuss how your experience and ideas align with their goals, especially around sustainability and modernising systems. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their current challenges in facilities management or how they envision the future of their estate. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
