Trust Estates Manager

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Estates Manager to lead the management and development of our estate across a growing Multi Academy Trust of 8 primary schools.

This is a key role within the Trust, combining strategic leadership and operational delivery, ensuring that all sites are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. The successful candidate will play a vital role in shaping our estate for the future, including overseeing capital investment, CIF bids, and preparing for the transition of two PFI schools as contracts come to an end in the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Trust’s Estates Strategy across all schools
• Ensure full statutory compliance (H&S, fire, asbestos, water hygiene, etc.)
• Support school teams across multiple locations
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance programmes
• Lead on procurement and management of contracts and service providers
• Take responsibility for Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids from identification through to submission and delivery
• Support and manage the transition of two PFI schools back to Trust control as contracts reach expiry
• Support in the management of estates budgets, ensuring value for money
• Oversee capital works, refurbishments, and improvement projects
• Drive sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong experience managing estates across multiple sites
• Has a solid understanding of compliance and health & safety legislation
• Has experience of capital projects and/or CIF bids
• Is confident managing contractors, budgets, and competing priorities
• Can think strategically while remaining hands on when needed
• Ideally has an understanding of PFI arrangements or complex estates environments

Experience

• Experience managing estates/facilities across multiple sites.
• Experience in education, public sector, or similar complex environments.
• Proven experience managing statutory compliance.
• Experience of leading or contributing to capital projects or CIF bids.
• Experience of contractor management.
• Experience managing budgets and procurement.

Knowledge

• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation and Building compliance (fire, asbestos, water hygiene, COSHH etc.)
• Estates and facilities management best practice
• Knowledge of CIF processes and DfE requirements (or ability to quickly acquire).
• Awareness of PFI contract structures and lifecycle considerations (desirable but not essential).

Skills

• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead across multiple sites with competing priorities.
• Financial and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail, particularly around compliance.

Qualifications

• Recognised H&S qualification like NEBOSH General Certificate
• Facilities management qualifications desirable

Personal attributes

• Proactive and solution focused
• Resilient and adaptable
• Strong leadership presence
• Collaborative and supportive approach
• Commitment to safeguarding and high standards

Job Description:

To lead and manage the Estates and Facilities function across the Trust’s 8 primary schools, ensuring safe, compliant, efficient, and well-maintained environments that support teaching and learning. The role includes strategic oversight and operational delivery, including management of PFI contracts nearing expiry and responsibility for securing capital investment through CIF bids.

Key Duties:

Strategic Estates Management

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust’s Estates Strategy, aligned with organisational priorities.
• Support on asset management planning, including condition surveys and lifecycle planning.
• Provide strategic oversight and planning relating to two PFI schools, including preparation for PFI contract expiry within the next few years and transition to Trust control.
• Advise senior leaders and Trustees on estates risks, compliance, and investment priorities.
• Lead on capital projects, including refurbishment, expansion, and improvement works.

Capital Funding & CIF Bids

• Take lead responsibility for the preparation, submission, and management of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids.
• Identify priority projects aligned to condition and compliance needs.
• Manage successful CIF projects through delivery, ensuring compliance with DfE requirements.
• Work with consultants and surveyors to produce high quality bids and supporting documentation.

Compliance & Health and Safety

• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements across all sites, including:
• Health & Safety legislation
• Fire safety management
• Asbestos management
• Legionella control
• Electrical and gas safety
• Maintain robust compliance monitoring systems and documentation.
• Lead audits and inspections and ensure timely completion of actions.
• Act as a key advisor on risk management and site safety.

Operational Estate Management

• Manage the day to day upkeep and maintenance of all buildings and grounds with the support of school caretakers.
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes.
• Ensure efficient response to reactive maintenance issues.
• Oversee cleaning, grounds, and security services with the aid of local authority service level agreements.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Procure and manage external contractors and service providers.
• Oversee contractor performance, compliance, and value for money.
• Manage contracts including those relating to PFI arrangements and transition planning.

Budget Management

• Support in the development and management of the Trust estates budget.
• Monitor expenditure and deliver value for money.
• Support long term capital planning and investment decisions.

Sustainability & Energy Management

• Lead initiatives to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Support carbon reduction targets and sustainability strategies.

Emergency Planning & Business Continuity

• Support in the development and maintenance of business continuity plans.
• Provide leadership in response to site incidents or emergencies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Head teachers, senior leaders, Trustees, and external agencies.
• Act as the key estates contact for regulators, contractors, and consultants.

General Duties

• Uphold the Trust’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Participate in Trust wide initiatives.
• Undertake other duties commensurate