Estates & Operations Manager in Ipswich

A unique opportunity to join an award-winning institution, ensuring the beautiful site and 70+ acre grounds are not only in the best condition, but that all compliance is being followed on site. The Estates & Facilities Manager ensures the site, buildings, grounds, and facilities operate safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, supporting an excellent environment for use.

The role manages the Estates Team (caretaking, cleaning, grounds, events, lettings, transport) as well as external contractors such as catering. Oversee all health & safety compliance including risk assessments, COSHH, statutory registers (asbestos, legionella), contractor documentation, and safe working practices. Lead emergency procedures for fire, lockdown, flood, break-ins, and major incidents, ensuring logs and reports are completed. Organise annual Fire Risk Assessment, H&S audits, PAT testing, and electrical inspections; conduct termly fire and lockdown drills.

Manage contractors on site, ensuring compliance with specifications and safety requirements. Lead, motivate, appraise, and develop the Estates Team; manage rotas, performance, training, and regular team meetings. Ensure consistent standards of caretaking, cleaning, and grounds maintenance; oversee lettings and support culture. Manage site security including alarms, CCTV, access systems, key control, and securing the premises outside school hours.

Maintain a 5-year Forward Maintenance Plan; oversee planned preventative maintenance and respond to emergency repairs. Carry out minor repairs within competence; monitor utilities and report issues promptly. Manage maintenance and cleaning budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and adequate stock levels. Oversee the Transport Manager, daily bus operations, compliance documentation, and annual tendering for external operators; be present for AM/PM bus duties.

Provide a professional, courteous service to pupils, parents, staff, governors, contractors, and visitors; ensure high-profile areas are clean and welcoming. Support school events, open days, and public-facing activities; ensure the site is tidy and well presented. Build positive relationships locally and nationally to support the school's brand. Monitor external contractor performance (e.g., catering, cleaning, grounds) against agreed specifications. Oversee porterage, deliveries, and movement of equipment.

Uphold the school's ethos, safeguarding, equality, and health & safety policies; maintain high standards of professionalism and engage in ongoing development. Attend SLT and IEL board meetings as required and undertake any reasonable duties aligned with the role.

• Strong team leadership experience, including supervising, developing and appraising staff.
• Clear, confident communication skills with staff, parents, governors, contractors and suppliers.
• Experience writing and implementing risk assessments.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Practical maintenance skills (caretaking, basic plumbing, carpentry, painting).
• Working knowledge of health & safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of cleaning standards, security procedures and emergency response.
• Awareness of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Knowledge of planned preventative maintenance routines.
• IOSH/NEBOSH or similar H&S qualification (desirable).
• Facilities or estates management qualification (desirable).
• First Aid at Work qualification or willingness to obtain.
• High integrity, reliability and professional conduct.
• Flexible and willing to learn new skills.
• Experience in facilities or operations management with experience of running a team is essential.