At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Whitefriars School, committed to exceptional education.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, on-site nursery discounts, and extra paid leave for personal celebrations.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on safeguarding and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and a passion for creating safe learning environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Headteacher and Head of Operations
Our Mission: "To provide an exceptional educational experience for our students, staff, and families—fostering ambitious, highly skilled, and educated positive citizens for our community."
The Role: Under the direction of the Headteacher and Head of Operations, the Site Manager is responsible for the day‑to‑day operational management of the school site, ensuring it is:
- Safe and secure
- Fully compliant with statutory and health & safety requirements
- Clean, well maintained and welcoming
The postholder will lead site operations, supervise site staff, manage contractors, oversee maintenance programmes and contribute to the strategic development of the school estate, ensuring an outstanding learning environment for pupils and staff.
Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Lead and promote a strong culture of health and safety across the site team
- Create, maintain and monitor risk assessments and statutory compliance records
- Ensure all testing and inspections are completed and recorded (fire alarms, legionella, emergency lighting, PAT testing, etc.)
- Carry out and oversee regular site inspections and respond promptly to concerns
- Liaise with specialist departments (e.g. Science/CLEAPSS) to ensure compliance
- Support inspections by maintaining logs, evidence and reports
- Escalate health, safety or facilities concerns to the Head of Operations
Facilities & Site Management
- Manage the daily operation of buildings and grounds
- Plan, prioritise and allocate workloads for the site team
- Oversee reactive maintenance and the planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme
- Carry out minor repairs where competent
- Support capital works, refurbishments and estate improvement projects
- Maintain accurate digital records of checks and works
- Monitor utilities usage and promote energy efficiency
- Ensure the site is presented to a high standard at all times
Contractor & Lettings Management
- Manage and supervise external contractors (cleaning, grounds, waste, pest control, servicing)
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety and school procedures are followed
- Verify contractor documentation (RAMS, insurance, DBS where applicable)
- Monitor performance and report concerns
- Support facilities usage and lettings where required
Security & Safeguarding
- Oversee opening and closing procedures and site security systems
- Act as a key holder and respond to emergencies when required
- Ensure buildings are secured after use
- Support safeguarding by maintaining a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors
Team Leadership
- Supervise, support and develop site staff
- Allocate work effectively and monitor completion and standards
- Provide training, guidance and day‑to‑day support
- Arrange cover for staff absences as required
- Promote a positive, professional and proactive team culture
School Transport
- Manage the school's minibus fleet
- Ensure vehicles, drivers and records meet regulatory requirements
- Maintain servicing, inspection and driver documentation (including MIDAS where applicable)
Benefits
- Professional, hardworking, and supportive staff team
- Strong commitment to your professional development
- On‑site nursery with discounted full‑time places for staff
- Free luxury coffee and hot chocolate machine
- Exceptional paid leave allowance for childcare
- One additional paid day annually for personal celebrations (weddings, graduations, trips)
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
The Heathland Whitefriars Federation is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), an online search will be carried out for shortlisted candidates prior to interview.
Site Manager at Whitefriars School in Harrow employer: Whitefriars School
Whitefriars School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With benefits such as an on-site nursery, generous paid leave for personal celebrations, and a strong commitment to health and safety, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the educational experience of students aged 3-18, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager at Whitefriars School in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Whitefriars School and its mission. Understanding their values will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to 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 school culture and what they really value in a Site Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've handled health and safety issues or managed a team in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Whitefriars School.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Manager at Whitefriars School in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Site Manager role at Whitefriars School. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of providing an exceptional educational experience!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience in health and safety compliance, facilities management, and team leadership. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitefriars School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Site Manager at Whitefriars School. Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, maintenance protocols, and how to manage contractors effectively. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Site Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, including how you’ve allocated workloads and supported staff development. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can foster a positive team culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as dealing with emergencies or managing contractor performance. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's vision for site management or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in contributing to the school’s mission and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
