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.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Estates Team (caretaking, cleaning, grounds, events, lettings, transport) and 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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.
• Aware 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.