At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead facilities operations, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.
- Company: Join Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to supporting young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, life assurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to inclusive education and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 7.30am-3.30pm
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | 52 Weeks
Start: ASAP
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced and hands‑on Facilities Manager to take ownership of the facilities operation at Abbey Gardens School, ensuring our pupils and colleagues have a safe, welcoming and well‑maintained environment in which to learn and work. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys the variety of facilities management – leading people, managing contractors, overseeing compliance and budgets, solving problems and still being willing to roll up their sleeves when needed. You’ll have responsibility for the day‑to‑day running and ongoing development of our facilities services, ensuring maintenance, domestic services, catering and housekeeping consistently meet high standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the school’s facilities operation, ensuring buildings, grounds and services are safe, well maintained and fit for purpose.
- Lead and support facilities services including maintenance, domestic services, catering and housekeeping, maintaining consistently high standards.
- Plan and manage reactive, planned and preventative maintenance, prioritising work effectively and ensuring issues are resolved promptly.
- Manage external contractors, suppliers and projects, monitoring quality, performance, costs and value for money.
- Ensure compliance across Health & Safety, fire safety, COSHH, food hygiene and other regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate records and audit readiness.
- Manage facilities expenditure, equipment, vehicles, chemicals, supplies and resources effectively.
- Take a practical, hands‑on approach to repairs, maintenance and troubleshooting, acting as a first point of response when facilities issues arise.
- Work collaboratively with school leaders and colleagues to continually improve the environment and ensure facilities effectively support the needs of the school.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced facilities professional who combines strong leadership and organisation with a practical, solutions‑focused approach. You’ll bring:
- Proven experience within facilities management, estates, maintenance or a similar operational role.
- Experience leading facilities or maintenance teams and confidently managing external contractors.
- Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety, fire safety, COSHH and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to effectively balance planned projects and day‑to‑day reactive maintenance.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple demands.
- A practical, solutions‑focused approach with strong problem‑solving skills.
- Confident people‑management skills, including supporting, developing and motivating colleagues.
- A proactive, dependable and hands‑on approach, comfortable leading the operation while getting involved when required.
- A Full UK Driving Licence.
About Us
Abbey Gardens is a brand‑new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to thrive. Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each pupil’s individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping pupils build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits Hundreds of UK and international discounts Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.
Facilities Manager in Bury St Edmunds employer: Hillingdon Manor School
At Outcomes First Group, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the education sector, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Bramfield House School. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our flexible benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration and respect. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying a fulfilling career with a team that shares your passion for excellence.
