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- Tasks: Lead the management of a large, historic school estate and drive improvements.
- Company: Woldingham School, a prestigious boarding school with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Generous salary, five weeks holiday, free lunches, gym access, and potential school fee remission.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with clear progression opportunities towards senior management roles.
- 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 qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 ÂŁ 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 in Guildford employer: Sielo Search
Contact Detail:
Sielo Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the estates and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off 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 tackled challenges and improved standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that catches your eye, don’t just wait for the application process to open. 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
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Woldingham School. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager in Guildford
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 Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We want to see how you handle pressure and make practical decisions, especially in busy environments like education or healthcare.
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's estate thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its historic buildings, sports facilities, and grounds. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to maintaining and improving such a complex site.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Estates Manager, you'll be leading a team and managing contractors. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to make practical decisions and maintain compliance while keeping standards high.
✨Discuss Long-Term Vision
Woldingham School is looking for someone who can help drive long-term improvements. Be ready to talk about your experience with capital projects, decarbonisation initiatives, and infrastructure modernisation. Share your vision for how you would approach these challenges at the school.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and standards. Be prepared to discuss your experience with M&E systems and maintenance operations. Showing that you understand the compliance landscape will demonstrate your operational strength and credibility.