Facilities Manager

School Facilities Manager in Watford

We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and highly organised School Facilities Manager to join our independent school in Watford. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the school site, buildings, grounds, and facilities are maintained to the highest standards, providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors.

The successful candidate will have strong facilities management experience, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of a busy school environment.

Key Responsibilities Site and Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and development of all school buildings, grounds, and facilities.
• Ensure the school premises are safe, secure, clean, and well-presented at all times.
• Manage planned preventative maintenance programmes and coordinate reactive repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections of the site and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Oversee cleaning, grounds maintenance, security, and other contracted services.

Health and Safety

• Act as the school's lead for site-related health and safety matters.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including Health and Safety regulations, fire safety requirements, and statutory inspections.
• Maintain accurate records of risk assessments, inspections, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate emergency procedures and support fire evacuation drills.
• Ensure all facilities-related policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated.

Contractor and Project Management

• Manage external contractors and service providers, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Obtain quotations, negotiate contracts, and monitor contractor performance.
• Support and lead facilities improvement and refurbishment projects.
• Ensure all contractors comply with safeguarding and health and safety requirements while on site.

Budget Management

• Prepare and manage facilities and maintenance budgets.
• Monitor expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance costs and procurement activities.

Team Leadership

• Manage and support the site, maintenance, cleaning, and grounds staff.
• Allocate workloads and monitor performance.
• Promote a positive and professional working environment.
• Identify training and development needs within the facilities team.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in facilities, estates, or premises management.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing contractors and service providers.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Requirements

• Facilities Management qualification (IWFM, NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent).
• Experience working within an educational environment.
• Knowledge of safeguarding requirements in schools.
• Experience managing maintenance projects and budgets.

About you

• Experience working within a school environment
• A valid DBS on the DBS update service
• Be available to interview and start immediately