At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff.
- Company: Whitefriars School, dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences.
- Benefits: Professional development, on-site nursery discounts, and generous paid leave for personal celebrations.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in the school community.
- Qualifications: Experience in site management and a strong commitment to health and safety.
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 London employer: Whitefriars School
The Heathland Whitefriars Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and ethical work environment where the welfare of both staff and students is paramount. With opportunities for professional development, a unique enrichment programme on Friday afternoons, and benefits such as discounts for staff at the on-site nursery, this role as a Welfare Co-ordinator allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance during term-time only.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager at Whitefriars School in London
✨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 or at local events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the school culture and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to site management and health & safety. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨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 London
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 previous positions.
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. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitefriars School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the school’s mission and values. Understand what it means to provide an exceptional educational experience and how your role as a Site Manager contributes to that. This will show your genuine interest in the position and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Health & Safety Focus
Given the emphasis on health and safety in the job description, be prepared to discuss your experience with risk assessments and compliance records. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed safety protocols in previous roles, and be ready to explain how you would promote a strong culture of health and safety at Whitefriars School.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Site Manager, you'll be leading a team. Think about times when you've supervised or developed staff. Prepare to share specific examples that highlight your ability to allocate workloads effectively, support your team, and foster a positive work environment. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the site operations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the current challenges the site team faces or how they measure success in maintaining the school environment. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to the school's strategic development.
