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
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Sielo Search.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Sielo Search? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Sielo Search's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Estates Manager role at Sielo Search, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sielo Search
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Sielo Search operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Sielo Search. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Sielo Search.
