Premises Manager | Voluntary Aided Church of England Secondary School | Hackney in London

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and highly capable Premises Manager to lead the operational management, maintenance, site security, and health and safety across our secondary school campus in Hackney. Reporting directly to the School Business Manager, the successful candidate will manage the site team, oversee statutory compliance, coordinate capital improvement projects, and ensure a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment for students, staff, and visitors.

THE SCHOOL

Set on a compact urban campus featuring a blend of historic Victorian buildings and modern multi-story teaching wings, this voluntary aided secondary school serves over 900 pupils aged 11–18 in inner East London. Anchored by a strong Christian ethos of service, inclusivity, and community, the school maintains high standards of care across its physical environment. The premises department operates as a critical support service, managing complex building systems, specialist sports facilities, and evening community lettings within a dense urban landscape.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Site Management & Team Leadership: Line manage site officers and caretaking staff, managing shift rotas, setting daily maintenance schedules, and overseeing contract cleaning staff.

• Statutory Compliance & Health & Safety: Lead on all health and safety compliance, managing water hygiene (legionella logbooks), asbestos management plans, fire safety systems, COSHH registers, and risk assessments.

• Contractor & Project Supervision: Obtain competitive quotes, manage external maintenance contractors, and oversee capital works, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

• Planned & Reactive Maintenance: Plan and execute a comprehensive schedule of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) while responding swiftly to urgent repairs, plumbing issues, and building repairs.

• Security & Lettings Management: Oversee site security protocols, manage keyholding duties, monitor intruder/CCTV systems, and coordinate facilities setup for evening and weekend lettings.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Recognized qualification in facilities management or health and safety (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH General Certificate, or NVQ Level 3/4 in Facilities Management). Skilled trade background (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, or electrical) is highly advantageous.

• Experience: Proven experience in premises management, site supervision, or facilities management within an educational, public sector, or commercial setting.

• Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety legislation, strong project management skills, budget management competency, IT literacy (for compliance software and CAFM systems), and excellent leadership abilities.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Located in the vibrant Inner London Borough of Hackney, the school sits at the heart of a diverse, creative, and fast-evolving East London community. Hackney combines rich architectural heritage and historic streetscapes with modern cultural venues, technology hubs around Shoreditch, and renowned green spaces like Hackney Downs and London Fields.

• Transport & Commuting: Hackney benefits from outstanding Inner London public transport connections. The school is easily accessible via extensive TfL bus networks and key London Overground stations (including Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, and Dalston Junction), offering rapid transit into Liverpool Street, Stratford, and wider London rail networks.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.