At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management and maintenance of our vibrant school environment.
- Company: The Willows Primary School, a supportive and family-focused community.
- Benefits: Be part of a collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating a safe and inspiring space for children.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong health and safety knowledge required.
- Other info: Join us in fostering curiosity and a love of learning!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Willows Primary School is a friendly, family-focused school where children and staff feel valued and supported. We are proud of our strong, collaborative team who work together to create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for our pupils. Guided by our motto Explore, Dream, Discover, we encourage curiosity, ambition, and a love of learning in everything we do.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Facilities Manager to take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient, and well-managed operation of our school premises. This is a key leadership role, ensuring the security, maintenance, and compliance of the school site while managing staff, contractors, and resources to a high standard.
Responsibilities- Manage the day-to-day operation, security, and maintenance of the school buildings and grounds
- Lead and supervise premises staff, ensuring effective performance and development
- Manage external contractors, including tendering, appointment, supervision, and quality control
- Oversee health and safety compliance, including risk assessments, fire safety, and COSHH regulations
- Plan and advise on long-term maintenance programmes to ensure value for money
- Manage premises-related budgets, purchasing, and resources
- Act as a key holder and coordinate emergency and out-of-hours access when required
- Work closely with senior leaders, staff, and governing body committees on premises and safety matters
- Provide health and safety guidance and training to staff across the school
- Proven experience in facilities management with supervisory responsibility
- Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and compliance
- The ability to manage people, priorities, and budgets effectively
- A practical, solution-focused approach with excellent communication skills
This role offers the opportunity to play a vital part in the leadership and smooth running of the school environment.
Contract and timingThis post will start w/c 23rd March 2026 and is a full year contract.
Safer recruitment and safeguardingThis post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a check of criminal records via the Criminal Records Bureau before appointment is confirmed. The disclosure will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. References will be sought and an online social media check completed for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.
Safeguarding commitmentThis school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of our children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Application processVisits to the school are warmly welcomed and can be arranged by calling the school on 01782 233280 or emailing Angela Clacher – aclacher@willowsprimary.com. The closing date for applications is 06/02/2026. The interview date is 13/02/2026. Application packs are available from the school via email. Applicants are also asked to send in a covering letter of no more than two pages in length.
Facilities Manager (The Willows Primary School) employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager (The Willows Primary School)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around The Willows Primary School if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When chatting with the interviewers, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on health and safety regulations! Since this role involves compliance, be ready to discuss your knowledge and experience with health and safety standards. It’ll show that you’re not just a facilities manager but a safety champion too.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's facilities and future plans. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager (The Willows Primary School)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about creating a safe and inspiring environment for the pupils at The Willows Primary School.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in facilities management. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique needs of a school environment, so be specific about how your skills match our requirements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we want to get to know you quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your facilities management knowledge, especially around health and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've handled compliance in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing staff and contractors, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you improved performance or resolved conflicts, as these stories will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like a maintenance emergency or a health and safety issue. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your practical, solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's facilities and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to creating a safe and inspiring environment for the pupils.