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- Tasks: Lead estates management for a new college, ensuring smooth operations and project delivery.
- Company: Join Thomas’s London Day Schools, a family-owned group of independent schools in South West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, complimentary lunches, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on a groundbreaking educational project in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with listed buildings and senior-level management is essential.
- Other info: Apply now or connect on LinkedIn; CV not required to start the conversation.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 92000 ÂŁ per year.
Make a lasting impact in the niche field of Estates & Facilities Management. As you become more senior, opportunities for advancement become fewer. If you’re considering a move, it’s important to make the right one.
Thomas’s London Day Schools is a family-owned group of independent schools in South West London, comprising one kindergarten and five schools. Thomas’s College will open in September 2025, relocating and expanding its current senior school at Putney Vale. The new College will offer both day and boarding services, initially for Years 7–12, growing to a capacity of 630 students from Years 7–13.
With a historic Grade II-listed site backing onto Richmond Park, this will be your new office. A new Master is already in place, and a recently appointed College Dean will provide operational support. You’ll ensure a smooth transition and bring this groundbreaking project to life, establishing the College as a landmark for generations to come.
You’ll take charge of all aspects of estates management, including:
- Hard and soft services
- Projects
- Health and safety
- Security & transport
- Grounds
- Financial management
- Commercial lettings
With a dotted reporting line to the Dean for daily operations, you’ll report directly to the Group COO, managing wider contracts and assisting with future capital projects across the group. With a new sports club and grounds under development, you’ll have an early opportunity to deliver capital projects.
Experience with listed buildings, working at a senior level, and managing a complex site is essential to ensure a smooth and successful launch. Your expertise will guide the school in taking its first and future steps.
In return, you will receive:
- 30 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Complimentary lunches during term time
- A generous pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- The benefits of a family ethos with a culture of warmth and mutual support
Apply now or reach out to Tom Morrison at Oyster to learn more. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up to date, just send what you have, or connect with us on LinkedIn, and we’ll take it from there. The closing date for applications is Friday 28th March 2025.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required, as well as other safeguarding checks, including references. Oyster has an exclusive partnership with Thomas’s. All direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Oyster.
Director of Estates employer: Oyster
Contact Detail:
Oyster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Estates
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Estates and Facilities Management sector, especially those who have experience in educational settings. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by independent schools, particularly in managing listed buildings. Research Thomas’s College and its upcoming projects to demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing complex sites and leading teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented processes or managed projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the school's community through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Follow Thomas’s College and interact with their posts to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role, which can help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Estates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Estates position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required experience, especially in estates management and working with listed buildings.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the job requirements. Focus on your achievements in estates management, project delivery, and any experience with educational institutions or similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the role and the impact you hope to make at Thomas’s College. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your capability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a senior role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster
✨Research the Institution
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research Thomas’s College and its ethos. Understand their values, mission, and the specifics of the new College opening in 2025. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience with listed buildings and managing complex sites during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, particularly in estates management, and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Director of Estates position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in areas like health and safety, financial management, and project delivery.
✨Emphasise Team Building Skills
As you'll have the autonomy to build your team, be ready to discuss your approach to team building and leadership. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to implement best-in-class processes at Thomas’s College.
