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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the school's premises, ensuring safety and high standards.
- Company: Prestigious independent school in beautiful Dorset with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, additional benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make a real impact on student and staff experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management, strong leadership, and health & safety knowledge.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a well-resourced school setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced professional and highly organised Premises Manager to join a prestigious Independent School in Dorset. This is a full-time permanent position starting January 2026 or earlier for the right candidate. The role offers a fantastic opportunity for a skilled facilities professional to take a leading position within a well‑resourced forward‑thinking school environment.
About the School
This Dorset independent school is widely recognised for its academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and beautiful, well‑maintained campus. The school combines historic buildings with contemporary learning spaces and the leadership team places a strong emphasis on providing a safe, efficient and inspiring environment for students and staff. As an independent school, facilities are of a very high standard and significant investment is made each year into site development and maintenance. The premises team plays a key role in upholding these standards and supporting the school's daily operations.
About the Role
As Premises Manager you will take overall responsibility for the management, safety and strategic development of the school site. This is a leadership role that requires excellent organisation, strong communication and a proactive approach. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing all site operations, maintenance and compliance activities
- Leading and managing a team of caretakers, cleaners and external contractors
- Conducting planned and reactive maintenance and ensuring high site standards
- Managing health & safety compliance, including risk assessments and statutory testing
- Overseeing security, access control, fire safety systems and emergency procedures
- Managing budgets for maintenance, repairs, utilities and site projects
- Liaising with senior leadership on planned maintenance, refurbishment and development projects
- Ensuring the school grounds, buildings and facilities are safe, attractive and fit for purpose
- Coordinating logistics for school events, lettings and community activities
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring all compliance documentation is up to date
Experience and Qualifications
- Proven experience in premises facilities or estates management (school setting desirable)
- Strong knowledge of health & safety compliance, COSHH and safeguarding requirements
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Practical skills across maintenance, repairs or site management
- Ability to plan strategically and manage budgets
- Professional, organised and able to prioritise effectively
- Relevant qualifications in facilities management, health & safety or a trade background beneficial
Salary
Competitive Independent School salary dependent on experience with additional benefits available within the school's support staff package.
Application
If you are an experienced and motivated Premises Manager seeking an exciting leadership opportunity within a highly regarded Independent School in Dorset, please forward your CV at your earliest convenience.
Premises Manager – Independent School in Dorset in Bournemouth employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Premises Manager – Independent School in Dorset in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or facilities management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend local job fairs or industry events where you can meet potential employers face-to-face. Bring your best self and be ready to talk about how your skills can benefit their school.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow schools and organisations on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share relevant content to get noticed by decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities listed there!
We think you need these skills to ace Premises Manager – Independent School in Dorset in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Premises Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, health & safety knowledge, and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit for our school.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about facilities management in an educational setting. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Premises Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you’ve effectively liaised with different stakeholders, from staff to contractors. This will help us see your ability to lead and manage effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the school’s history, values, and facilities. Understanding their commitment to academic excellence and pastoral care will help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Premises Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on communication and organisation. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of health & safety compliance in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with risk assessments and how you ensure safety standards are met.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like a maintenance emergency or a budget constraint. Think through your strategic planning skills and how you can apply them to real-life scenarios at the school.
