At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the maintenance team and oversee operations of a large, historic school estate.
- Company: Woldingham School, a prestigious boarding school with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear progression towards senior management roles.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-profile estate and drive impactful improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates management or hard FM, with strong leadership skills.
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.
Estates Manager in Surrey employer: Sielo Search
Contact Detail:
Sielo Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its estate. Understand their current projects and challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their long-term strategy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, tackled compliance issues, or led projects in your previous roles. This will highlight your operational strength and calmness under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Woldingham School.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager in 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 leading teams 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. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've led.
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 a busy environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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 your experience aligns with their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Estates Manager, you'll be leading a team and managing contractors. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed compliance, or handled challenging situations. Be ready to discuss how you motivate your team and ensure high standards are met.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle unexpected challenges. Think of specific instances where you've had to make quick decisions under pressure. Highlight your calmness and credibility in those situations, as these traits are crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Future Improvements
Woldingham School is looking for someone who can drive long-term improvements. Come prepared with ideas on how you would approach decarbonisation initiatives or infrastructure modernisation. This shows you're not just thinking about day-to-day operations but also the future of the estate.