At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of a large, high-profile school estate and drive improvements.
- Company: Woldingham School, a prestigious boarding school with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Five weeks' holiday, pension, free lunches, gym access, and potential school fee remission.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on long-term improvements and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a historic 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.
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. This is not a “caretaker plus” role. 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.
The environment is busy, visible and occasionally demanding. Priorities shift. Problems happen. Standards matter. 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. Potential school fee remission is also available subject to eligibility. 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.
Estates Manager employer: Sielo Search
Woldingham School is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of a complex estate while contributing to meaningful improvements and sustainability initiatives. With generous benefits including five weeks' holiday, free lunches during term time, and access to outstanding facilities, the school fosters a culture of professional growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in estates management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager
✨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 managing compliance and leading teams. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges and improved standards.
✨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 will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate when discussing long-term improvements during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager
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.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see what you’ve accomplished! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved standards or led successful projects in your previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Keep it engaging and personal to grab our attention.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 research Woldingham School and its estate thoroughly. 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 estate's management and improvement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Estates Manager, you'll be leading a team and managing contractors. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project under pressure. Highlight your ability to maintain compliance and improve standards, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you handle challenges in a busy environment. Think about situations where priorities shifted or problems arose, and be ready to explain how you tackled them. This will demonstrate your calmness and operational strength, which are crucial for this role.
✨Discuss Long-Term Vision
Woldingham School is looking for someone who can contribute to long-term estate improvements and decarbonisation initiatives. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on infrastructure modernisation and energy efficiency. Showing that you have a vision for the future will set you apart from other candidates.
