At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee maintenance and safety across five schools, ensuring a safe learning environment.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a dynamic trust with 59 schools educating over 33,000 pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, generous benefits, and lifestyle savings like gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by creating inspiring and safe spaces for students.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management or project management; transferable skills are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 32833 - 40000 £ per year.
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 06/08/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th August 2026
Location: Based across our Hockley schools in Essex (Lift Ashingdon, Lift Plumberow, Lift Hockley, Lift Westerings and Lift Greensward) with regular travel between all five schools when required
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Help create safe, inspiring places to learn. No two days are the same in this role. One day you could be overseeing a capital project, the next managing urgent maintenance issues, ensuring compliance tasks have been completed or working alongside school leaders to plan future improvements.
We're looking for an Area Site Manager to support five schools across Hockley, leading on estates activities, to ensure our buildings remain safe, compliant and ready to provide the best possible environment for children and colleagues.
Whether your background is in facilities management, construction, property, engineering or project management, this is an opportunity to start your career where you make a visible difference every day.
What you'll be doing:
- Overseeing the maintenance, compliance and safety of five school sites.
- Managing contractors and coordinating planned and reactive maintenance.
- Leading local capital projects and site improvements.
- Working closely with school leaders to prioritise estates needs.
- Acting as the appointed person for asbestos and legionella management.
- Being an active leader, ensuring high standards of health and safety across the schools.
What we're looking for:
- Experience in facilities, building management, construction or project management.
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing contractors to ensure value, speed and safety is delivered.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and solve problems proactively.
- A commitment to delivering safe, well-maintained environments.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Previous education experience isn't essential - we're looking for transferable skills and the motivation to make a difference.
Grow your career with us:
We're committed to investing in our people. Alongside ongoing training and support, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship, helping you build valuable leadership, planning and project delivery skills while you work.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives - and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
How we support you:
- Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
Closing date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th August 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Information about the School:
Every child has immeasurable potential. It is our job to help realise it. We believe every child deserves the best education possible, regardless of background, geography or ability. We want to see them fulfil their potential – at school and beyond.
Our trust is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country – from Middlesbrough in the north to Devon in the west, Essex in the east and the Isle of Wight in the south. The majority of our schools are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Area Site Manager: Multi-School Estates & Safety Lead in Hockley employer: Shorefields
St Osyth CE Primary School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all staff. With a strong commitment to professional development and training, particularly for those working with children with SEND needs, our team thrives on collaboration and high standards. Located in a picturesque rural setting, just a short drive from Colchester and Clacton, we offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students while enjoying the benefits of a close-knit community.
