Estate Manager

Hatherop Castle School is seeking to appoint an Estate Manager to oversee the historic and Grade 2 listed estate. The school is enjoying a period of significant investment and development since joining the Wishford Schools group in 2014. The successful candidate will work with the School Business Manager, supported by an estate team comprising maintenance, grounds and housekeeping staff, to plan and execute a management plan for the buildings, grounds and property.

Hatherop Castle School is a co-educational day and boarding prep school for pupils aged 2 to 13, located in a stunning rural setting in the heart of the Cotswolds. Set in 21 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, the school enjoys a reputation for high academic standards within a caring, happy environment.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: 40 hours per week, year round, permanent role. There may be a requirement for the occasional flexible working, including evenings and weekends, but this is rare and can be planned in advance.

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 pa dependent on experience and qualifications

Benefits:

• 5% employer pension
• EV scheme with Octopus
• Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts
• Means tested staff discount
• Complementary lunch
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays pa
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Fully funded apprenticeships, up to L7
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• On site parking
• Personal accident cover at work
• Friendly and supportive staff room

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain the school grounds and buildings to a high standard, including the housekeeping support to the school.
• Develop and implement plans for site improvements with the School Business Manager (SBM) and Head.
• Manage approved contractors and oversee maintenance and repairs.
• Compile and manage major works proposals.
• Project manage renovations and estate developments.
• Line manage grounds and maintenance staff, and the Head of Housekeeping.
• Ensure the safety of the site, including all related routine regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ensure site security and coordinate events.
• Organise routine servicing and manage maintenance requests.
• Liaise with contractors for routine services and tree maintenance.
• Improve cost-efficiency, in particular the reduction of energy usage.
• Manage emergency procedures.

Practical Duties:

• Prevent trespass and vandalism, ensure site security.
• Inspect and clean drains, gullies, and guttering.
• Assist with traffic flow, event setup, and heavy lifting.
• Perform minor repairs in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Maintain lawns, flower beds, and sports pitches.
• Use and maintain grounds equipment safely.
• Dispose of waste materials and maintain cleanliness.
• Comply with Health & Safety policies and act as fire warden.

Experience and Qualifications:

Essential:

• Maintenance and/or grounds experience.

Desirable:

• Estate management experience or willingness to complete a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Facilities Management.
• Experience in project management and working in a school environment.
• IT literate
• Leadership skills and experience
• Experience managing contractors.
• Relevant qualifications in horticulture or grounds maintenance
• A can-do attitude, flexibility, and ability to manage a small team.
• Professionalism, excellent communication skills, and initiative.

Personal Qualities:

• A can-do attitude, willing to turn their hand to anything (within or outside their usual remit) in order to ensure the highest standard of service offered by the school.
• Confident using initiative and leading a team.
• A highly professional, courteous and engaging manner, confident in dealings with parents and staff.
• Strong attention to detail. and initiative.
• Organised, thorough, and calm under pressure.

Please submit and application via Wishford Education's Application form and see the full job description attached to this advert.