At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the maintenance, safety, and security of a brand new school site.
- Company: Join Orchard House High School, part of Prospere Learning Trust, dedicated to exceptional education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a range of health and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating a nurturing environment for students with significant learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Experience in a senior caretaking role and a full driving licence are essential.
- Other info: The new school opens in October 2025; training will occur at other trust sites beforehand.
The predicted salary is between 32115 - 44961 £ per year.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Site Manager to join our fantastic team at Orchard House High School. This is a Grade 6, permanent post working 35 hours per week, all year round. The starting salary is £32,115 per annum.
We are seeking a reliable, proactive, and skilled Site Manager to join our team. You will be responsible for the maintenance, safety, and security of our brand new school premises, ensuring that the site is safe, clean, and fully operational at all times. This role is crucial to supporting the smooth running of the school and creating an environment where our children can thrive.
You will have previously operated in a senior Caretaking/Site supervisor position with excellent health and safety knowledge; experience in a school environment is desired. Due to the nature of this role, a full driving licence is essential. Experience of managing a budget, preparing costed plans for repairs and maintenance would be advantageous.
Main purpose of the job: You will support the Head Teacher and Trust Head of Estates by taking responsibility for ensuring that identified school sites, associated buildings, facilities, are operated in full compliance with the Trust’s Estate Strategy and guidance.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Manage other estates staff including allocation and monitoring of work and performance appraisal and supervision of external contractors on site.
- To be a responsible key holder and manage maintenance, security and facilities systems on site including alarm systems, CCTV and surveillance systems.
- To be responsible for the day to day management, monitoring and evaluation of the programmes of planned, cyclical, legislative maintenance as delivered by appropriate contractors and ensure that compliance certification and documentation is up to date.
- To ensure that all in-house technical inspections and testing related to estates activities are undertaken and recorded in-line with Trust processes. This includes fire bells tests and the checking of fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire doors.
- To establish constructive relationships and communication with external contractors and other agencies/professionals and record performance against specified standards.
- To have overall responsibilities for a high standard of cleaning, maintenance, security and grounds maintenance across the school, both internally and externally.
- To support the liaison and negotiation of the contractual agreements for the school and ensure that these are adhered to by all parties.
- To monitor the performance of estates related contracts and record performance against specified standards.
Please note our new school site is due to open in Miles Platting October 2025; prior to this, the team will be working across other trust sites to complete induction and training. Successful applicants will be expected to travel during this time.
All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.
Working for Prospere Learning Trust, we invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:
- High quality CPD for all roles
- Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
- Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
- Good holidays - teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
- Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
- Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
- Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
- Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
- Mental Health First Aid in every school
- Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
- bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases
About Orchard House and Prospere Learning Trust: Orchard House is a brand new school which will be dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) from the age of 11-19 years. Opening in September 2025, our school is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Prospere Learning Trust is a high performing, inclusive and innovative Trust comprising of 9 schools, including 4 mainstream high schools and 5 special needs schools (both primary and secondary) with further schools anticipated across Greater Manchester. We currently employ over 1000 staff and we believe that our staff play a vital role in achieving our vision of an exceptional education for all.
Job Application Information: Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children.
Safeguarding Commitment: All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Equality Statement: Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Site Manager employer: Prospere Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Prospere Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health and safety regulations relevant to school environments. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe space for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former site managers in educational settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing budgets and contractors. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully overseen maintenance projects or improved site operations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Orchard House High School and Prospere Learning Trust thoroughly. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to tailor your approach and show how you align with their goals during any discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Site Manager position. Highlight key skills such as health and safety knowledge, budget management, and experience in a school environment.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage maintenance, security, and staff effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous roles in caretaking or site supervision, particularly in educational settings. Mention your familiarity with compliance standards and your experience managing contractors and maintenance schedules.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application form accurately, as CVs are not accepted. Pay attention to detail and make sure all sections are filled out completely to avoid your application being overlooked.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospere Learning Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Site Manager, especially in a school environment. Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, maintenance protocols, and the specific needs of educational facilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in caretaking or site supervision. Highlight any relevant experience managing budgets, overseeing contractors, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Site Manager, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders, including staff, contractors, and external agencies. Practice articulating how you've successfully built relationships and communicated effectively in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've had to manage emergencies, resolve conflicts, or implement safety measures, and be ready to explain your thought process.