At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee the management and safety of a prestigious boarding school's facilities.
- Company: A respected boarding school in Dorset with a focus on high standards and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Stable position, supportive leadership, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Why this job: Lead a large estate and make a real impact on student life.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a mix of hands-on management and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A prestigious boarding school in Dorset is seeking an experienced and highly organised Facilities Manager to take strategic and operational responsibility for the school’s estate. This is a senior, full-time role within a well-established boarding environment, offering the opportunity to oversee a complex site that operates year-round and plays a central role in school life.
The Role
- Lead the effective management, safety, and development of the school’s buildings, grounds, and facilities, ensuring they are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard at all times.
- Work closely with the Head and senior leadership team to provide both day-to-day operational oversight and longer-term estates planning.
- Oversee the daily operation of the school’s buildings and extensive grounds.
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation, fire safety, and statutory checks.
- Manage planned and reactive maintenance schedules across academic, boarding, and residential areas.
- Lead and line-manage site staff, caretakers, and cleaning teams.
- Coordinate and supervise external contractors and specialist services.
- Manage facilities budgets, procurement, and supplier relationships.
- Support capital projects, refurbishment works, and long-term estates development.
- Ensure boarding houses are safe, comfortable, and fully operational year-round.
- Respond effectively to out-of-hours or emergency issues where required.
The School Environment
This Dorset boarding school is known for its high standards, strong pastoral care, and well-maintained campus. The school operates throughout term time and beyond, meaning facilities management is central to student wellbeing, safeguarding, and the smooth running of daily life. Leadership is professional and supportive, with a strong emphasis on compliance, planning, and continuous improvement.
What the School Is Looking For
- Proven experience in facilities, estates, or site management.
- Strong working knowledge of health and safety, fire safety, and compliance requirements.
- Experience managing staff, contractors, and budgets.
- Excellent organisational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied, high-responsibility workload.
- Experience in a school, boarding, or residential setting desirable.
Why Join
- Senior operational role within a respected boarding school.
- Opportunity to lead and shape a large, well-established estate.
- Supportive leadership and clear strategic direction.
- Varied role combining hands-on management with long-term planning.
- Stable position within a professional and well-run organisation.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this Facilities Manager role at a boarding school in Dorset, please submit your CV. Early applications are encouraged due to the senior nature of the position.
Facilities Manager - Boarding School in Dorset! employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager - Boarding School in Dorset!
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or facilities management. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around compliance and safety – they’ll love that!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and projects in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities and organisational prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in a boarding school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager - Boarding School in Dorset!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Company Description: Start your application by giving us a brief overview of your experience and how it aligns with our prestigious boarding school. Highlight your understanding of facilities management in an educational setting, as this will show you get what we're all about.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Make sure to emphasise your expertise in health and safety regulations and compliance requirements. We want to see that you can keep our school safe and sound, so share any relevant experiences or certifications you've got!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. In your application, mention any previous roles where you managed staff or contractors, and how you ensured everything ran smoothly. This will help us see your potential fit within our supportive leadership environment.
Tailor Your CV for Us: When you send us your CV, make it specific to the Facilities Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in estates management and any achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills. Remember, we love a well-organised application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the boarding school thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and the specific challenges it faces in facilities management. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with compliance and safety regulations. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed these aspects in previous positions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the school's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Facilities Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you've effectively managed staff and contractors in the past. Highlight any successful projects or improvements you've implemented through strong leadership.
✨Discuss Long-Term Planning
The role involves strategic planning for the estate. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you would approach long-term facilities development. Discuss any relevant experience you have in managing budgets and procurement, as well as how you prioritise tasks in a high-responsibility environment.