Trust Estates Manager

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Estates Manager to lead the management and development of our estate across a growing Multi Academy Trust of 8 primary schools.

This is a key role within the Trust, combining strategic leadership and operational delivery, ensuring that all sites are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in shaping our estate for the future, including overseeing capital investment, CIF bids, and preparing for the transition of two PFI schools as contracts come to an end in the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Trust’s Estates Strategy across all schools
• Ensure full statutory compliance(H&S, fire, asbestos, water hygiene, etc.)
• Support school teams acrossmultiple locations
• Oversee planned and reactivemaintenance programmes
• Lead on procurement andmanagement of contracts and service providers
• Take responsibility for Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids from identification through to submission anddelivery
• Support and manage the transitionof two PFI schools back to Trust control as contracts reach expiry
• Support in the management ofestates budgets, ensuring value for money
• Oversee capital works, refurbishments, and improvement projects
• Drive sustainability and energyefficiency initiatives

About You

We are looking for someone who

• Has strong experience managingestates across multiple sites
• Has a solid understanding ofcompliance and health & safety legislation
• Has experience of capitalprojects and/or CIF bids
• Is confident managingcontractors, budgets, and competing priorities
• Can think strategically whileremaining hands on when needed
• Ideally has an understanding of PFI arrangements or complex estates environments

Experience

• Experience managing estates/facilities across multiple sites.
• Experience in education, public sector, or similar complex environments.
• Proven experience managing statutory compliance.
• Experience of leading or contributing to capital projects or CIF bids.
• Experience of contractor management.
• Experience managing budgets and procurement.
• Knowledge
• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and Building compliance (fire, asbestos, water hygiene, COSHH etc.)
• Estates and facilities management best practice
• Knowledge of CIF processes and Df E requirements (or ability to quickly acquire).
• Awareness of PFI contract structures and lifecycle considerations (desirable but not essential).

Skills

• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead across multiple sites with competing priorities.
• Financial and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail, particularly around compliance.

Qualifications

• Recognised H&S qualification like NEBOSH General Certificate
• Facilities management qualifications desirable
• Personal attributes
• Proactive and solution focused
• Resilient and adaptable
• Strong leadership presence
• Collaborative and supportive approach
• Commitment to safeguarding and high standards

Job Description

To lead and manage the Estates and Facilities function across the Trust’s 8 primary schools, ensuring safe, compliant, efficient, and well‑maintained environments that support teaching and learning.

The role includes strategic oversight and operational delivery, including management of PFI contracts nearing expiry and responsibility for securing capital investment through CIF bids.

• Key Duties
• Strategic Estates Management
• Contributeto the development and implementation of the Trust’s Estates Strategy, aligned with organisational priorities.
• Supporton asset management planning, including condition surveys and lifecycleplanning.
• Providestrategic oversight and planning relating to two PFI schools, includingpreparation for PFI contract expiry within the next few years andtransition to Trust control.
• Advisesenior leaders and Trustees on estates risks, compliance, and investmentpriorities.
• Leadon capital projects, including refurbishment, expansion, and improvementworks.
• Capital Funding & CIF Bids
• Takelead responsibility for the preparation, submission, and management of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids.
• Identifypriority projects aligned to condition and compliance needs.
• Managesuccessful CIF projects through delivery, ensuring compliance with Df Erequirements.
• Workwith consultants and surveyors to produce high quality bids and supportingdocumentation.
• Compliance & Health and Safety
• Ensurefull compliance with statutory requirements across all sites, including:
• Health& Safety legislation
• Firesafety management
• Asbestosmanagement
• Legionellacontrol
• Electricaland gas safety
• Maintainrobust compliance monitoring systems and documentation.
• Leadaudits and inspections and ensure timely completion of actions. Actas a key advisor on risk management and site safety.
• Operational Estate Management
• Managethe day to day upkeep and maintenance of all buildings and grounds withthe support of school caretakers.
• Overseeplanned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes.
• Ensureefficient response to reactive maintenance issues.
• Overseecleaning, grounds, and security services with the aid of local authorityservice level agreements.
• Procurement & Contract Management
• Procureand manage external contractors and service providers.
• Overseecontractor performance, compliance, and value for money.
• Managecontracts including those relating to PFI arrangements and transitionplanning.
• Budget Management
• Supportin the development and management of the Trust estates budget.
• Monitorexpenditure and deliver value for money.
• Supportlong term capital planning and investment decisions.
• Sustainability & Energy Management
• Leadinitiatives to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Supportcarbon reduction targets and sustainability strategies.
• Emergency Planning & Business Continuity
• Supportin the development and maintenance of business continuity plans.
• Provideleadership in response to site incidents or emergencies.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Workclosely with Head teachers, senior leaders, Trustees, and externalagencies.
• Actas the key estates contact for regulators, contractors, and consultants.
• General Duties
• Upholdthe Trust’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Participatein Trust wide initiatives.
• Undertakeother duties commensurate with the grade.

You will be based at ONE Trust central.

At the request of the ONE Trust, you may be required to conduct your duties elsewhere.

The Trust reserves the right to change your area of work, temporarily or otherwise, as may be required, subject to reasonable notice and priorconsultation with you.

ONE Trust is strongly committedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people andexpects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Employment issubject to satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and all candidates will be subject to online checks.

You will be responsible for the safety and welfare of the children in your care in linewith KCSIE 2025.

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