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- Tasks: Lead the management of a large, historic school estate and oversee daily operations.
- Company: Woldingham School, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Five weeks holiday, pension, free lunches, gym access, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to improving standards and investing in the future of the school.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a high-profile estate while advancing your career in facilities management.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates management, compliance, and contractor oversight; NEBOSH or IOSH preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Some estates roles are about keeping things ticking over. This one is about taking ownership of a complex, high-profile estate and helping drive it forward. Woldingham School is looking for an Estates Manager to lead the day-to-day hard FM operation across a large boarding school estate that includes historic buildings, sports facilities, boarding houses, staff residences and more than 200 acres of grounds.
You’ll lead the maintenance team, oversee compliance and PPM delivery, manage contractors and projects, control operational budgets and help ensure the estate runs safely, efficiently and professionally every single day. Working closely with the Director of Estates, you’ll help deliver longer-term estate improvements, capital projects and decarbonisation initiatives across the site, supporting plant replacement, infrastructure modernisation and energy-efficiency projects as part of a clear long-term estates strategy.
For someone currently managing a smaller or less complex site, this is a genuine step up in both scope and profile, with clear progression potential towards Head or Director of Estates level over time. Priorities shift. The school needs someone calm, credible and operationally strong, someone comfortable managing compliance, leading teams, challenging contractors and making practical decisions under pressure.
You’ll probably already work within estates, building services or hard FM in environments such as education, healthcare, hospitality, heritage property or complex commercial estates. Strong experience across compliance, M&E systems, maintenance operations and contractor management is essential. NEBOSH or IOSH qualifications would be highly beneficial. Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys building trust, improving standards and taking pride in running things properly.
In return, you’ll receive five weeks’ holiday plus public holidays, pension with life assurance, free lunches during term time, free parking and access to excellent on-site facilities including the gym and swimming pool. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to join a school investing heavily in its estate, infrastructure and long-term future.
Woldingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS report will be required for the successful candidate.
Locations
Real Estate Manager or Senior Manager in Caterham, Surrey employer: Sielo Search
Contact Detail:
Sielo Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Real Estate Manager or Senior Manager in Caterham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the estates and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in compliance, contractor management, and maintenance operations. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully managed complex estates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills, don’t just wait for the application process. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or recruitment consultant. Express your interest and ask insightful questions about the role and the estate's future plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in estates management, especially around decarbonisation and energy efficiency. This shows you're committed to improving standards and can bring fresh ideas to the table when you land that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Real Estate Manager or Senior Manager in Caterham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Estates Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex estates, compliance, and contractor management to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like NEBOSH or IOSH.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams and managed projects in the past. Share examples of how you’ve improved operations or tackled challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your operational strength.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sielo Search
✨Know Your Estate Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly research Woldingham School and its estate. Familiarise yourself with the historic buildings, sports facilities, and the overall layout of the grounds. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the ongoing improvements and management of such a complex site.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with M&E systems and maintenance operations. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully managed compliance in previous roles, and be ready to explain how you would approach compliance challenges at Woldingham School.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a maintenance team, it's crucial to highlight your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated teams, managed contractors, and made decisions under pressure. Emphasise your ability to build trust and improve standards, as these qualities are essential for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and operational strength. Think about potential challenges you might face in managing the estate and prepare thoughtful responses. This will demonstrate your readiness to take ownership and drive the estate forward effectively.