Facilities Manager

Facilities Manager

Full-Time 42000 - 58000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Sielo Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the facilities operation, ensuring a safe and clean environment for students.
  • Company: Woldingham School, a prestigious boarding school with a commitment to excellence.
  • Benefits: Rent-free accommodation, five weeks' holiday, pension scheme, and access to on-site facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school community while enjoying beautiful surroundings.
  • Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong health & safety knowledge required.
  • Other info: Join a supportive staff community with regular social initiatives and career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 ÂŁ per year.

In a boarding school, the day-to-day experience depends on how well the environment is run. As Facilities Manager, you'll sit at the centre of that operation, taking ownership of caretaking, domestic services and health & safety to ensure everything runs safely, cleanly and consistently. This is a hands‐on leadership role for someone who enjoys responsibility, visibility and running a live environment properly.

Why this role

You’ll lead the day‐to‐day facilities operation across a diverse estate, bringing caretaking and domestic services together under one manager for the first time. Your focus will be on embedding clear standards, strong health & safety discipline and robust processes, while balancing leadership with practical support when needed. You’ll act as the on‐site incident lead during on‐call shifts, working closely with the Estates Manager and Logistics Manager. This is not a desk‐based role; it suits someone who is organised, visible and comfortable stepping in when required.

The accommodation

Woldingham operates year‐round as a boarding school, with over 46 private residences, 14 commercial buildings across 500+ acres of woodland. Out‐of‐hours response is a core part of keeping the school safe and running smoothly. For that reason, the role includes a rent‐free, on‐site three‐bedroom cottage. Living on site enables immediate response, continuity and presence during shared on‐call duties and is strongly preferred. The accommodation is provided to support the operational and safeguarding responsibilities of the post.

What you’ll need

  • Experience as a Facilities Manager or in a similar role within a compliance‐led environment (education, healthcare, residential or complex commercial)
  • Strong health & safety discipline (IOSH Managing Safely minimum)
  • Confidence leading operational teams and managing change
  • Excellent organisation, paperwork and process management
  • A practical, hands‐on leadership style with calm judgement under pressure

What you’ll get

Alongside a rent‐free three‐bedroom cottage, you’ll benefit from five weeks' holiday plus public holidays, a pension scheme with life assurance, and access to excellent on‐site facilities including the gym, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts. A free lunch is available during the working day when kitchens are open, alongside free on‐site parking. There is a strong staff community with regular social and wellbeing initiatives, and school fee remission is available. Most importantly, you’ll step into a role where your work makes a real, day‐to‐day difference.

About Woldingham

Close to London yet set in an outstandingly beautiful rural landscape, Woldingham is a successful Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18, consistently ranked among the UK's leading independent schools. The school combines a proud 180‐year heritage with a clear commitment to innovation and long‐term sustainability.

Interested?

To apply, please send your CV to our retained recruitment consultant, Tom Morrison at Sielo Search: tom@sielosearch.com. For any questions about the role, feel free to email or contact Tom directly on 07537 162 323. 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.

Facilities Manager employer: Sielo Search

Woldingham School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Facilities Manager to thrive in a vibrant boarding school environment. With a rent-free three-bedroom cottage on-site, generous holiday allowances, and access to outstanding facilities, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises wellbeing and community engagement. The role not only allows for professional growth through hands-on leadership but also enables you to make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of students and staff alike.
Sielo Search

Contact Detail:

Sielo Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Research Woldingham School and its values. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the school culture, plus it might just get your foot in the door!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for hands-on scenarios! Since this role is all about practical leadership, think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed teams or dealt with emergencies. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager

Facilities Management
Health & Safety Compliance
IOSH Managing Safely
Leadership Skills
Operational Management
Change Management
Organisation Skills
Process Management
Calm Judgement Under Pressure
Hands-on Leadership
Incident Management
Communication Skills
Team Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Facilities Manager role. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and any relevant health & safety qualifications, like IOSH Managing Safely.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Woldingham School. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed facilities in the past and how you can bring that experience to our team.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires excellent organisation and process management, make sure to demonstrate these skills in your application. Use bullet points or clear sections to make your information easy to digest.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sielo Search

✨Know Your Environment

Familiarise yourself with Woldingham School's facilities and the unique challenges of managing a boarding school. Understand the layout, key areas of responsibility, and any recent developments or changes in the estate that could impact your role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led operational teams, managed change, and maintained high health and safety standards in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Think of specific scenarios where you had to step in during a crisis or manage an incident. Highlight your calm judgement under pressure and how you ensured safety and continuity in those situations.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's facilities management processes, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values and work style.

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