Operations and Safety Manager

Cumnor House Sussex is a prestigious independent preparatory school nestled in the scenic Sussex countryside. Our extensive and well-maintained grounds include sports fields, woodlands, gardens, and recreational areas that contribute to an enriching environment for our pupils and staff.

Cumnor House Sussex is seeking an experienced and dedicated Operations and Safety Manager to join our team. This pivotal role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including Health and Safety management, and oversight of school facilities and services. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head and Bursar to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

Health and Safety Management:

• Assume delegated responsibility from the Head and Bursar for the Health and Safety management of the school.
• Develop and maintain processes to ensure all risk assessments and policies are owned by designated staff, regularly reviewed, and followed in practice.
• Ensure all staff complete necessary Health and Safety training, including induction training for new staff.
• Ensure compliance with fire safety legislation, including arranging fire risk assessments, PAT testing, fire extinguisher, fire alarm and emergency lighting testing, evacuation procedures, drills, and maintaining appropriate records.
• Ensure all buildings comply with current health and safety policies and current legislation by undertaking a termly property inspection return.
• Coordinate and minute termly Health and Safety Committee Meetings with staff.
• Receive and prioritise health and safety concerns from staff, passing them to the maintenance or grounds team to resolve within appropriate timeframes.
• Arrange periodic external compliance audits as necessary and maintain appropriate records.
• Ensure staff training is up-to-date (COSHH, fire safety, fire warden, health and safety).
• Maintain appropriate Health and Safety Records on the Bright HR platform and undertake required statutory reporting.

Housekeeping and Hygiene:

• Along with the Head of Housekeeping ensure responsibility for the cleanliness of the school buildings.
• Along with the Head of Housekeeping ensure deep cleaning is timetabled and carried out.
• Manage external waste and hygiene provider contracts.
• Work with the housekeeping team to arrange any external training and maintain training records on the Bright HR platform.

Healthcare Management:

• Line manage the school’s Nursing Team.
• Work with the nursing team to arrange any external training and maintain training records on the Bright HR platform.

Transport Services:

• Ensure the School Mini Bus Service operates effectively and efficiently in accordance with current legislation.
• Oversee the strategic and operational delivery of the school minibus service, ensuring all minibuses have weekly checks and current MOT certificates.
• Liaise with third party provider Red Kite where Mini Buses develop faults.

Facility Management:

• Manage all lettings of school facilities and Mini Buses, including Holiday Clubs.
• Oversee the use of facilities by external agencies, ensuring appropriate contractual, safeguarding, and access arrangements.

Estates and Grounds:

• Line manage the grounds and maintenance teams.
• Collaborate with the Bursar to plan and project manage Minor Works and Major Capital Works projects.
• Ensure the annual cycle of maintenance is booked and undertaken by proficient specialists, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, Fire Risk Assessments, chimney sweeping, and lightning protection testing.
• Work with the Head Groundsman to ensure the grounds are well maintained.
• Work with the grounds and maintenance teams to arrange any external training and maintain training records on the Bright HR platform.

Other Responsibilities:

•  Direct and oversee the work of the third party plumber, painter and electricians, all of whom are contracted to the school for a set number of days per year.
• Deputise for the Bursar during their absence.
• Understand and follow all school policies and procedures.
• Consider how to improve the school’s sustainability in all areas of its operations.
• Attend appropriate training and meetings.
• Undertake other such specific duties appropriate to your post which the head and Bursar may reasonably assign from time to time.
• Assist the Bursar with major tenders eg. catering and electricity supply,

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of Health and Safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams and external partners.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework for independent schools would be desirable.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Free on-site parking
• Complimentary dining and refreshments available all-day during term time
• Free use of indoor swimming pool at specified times
•  Employee assistance programme

Application Process and Safeguarding

To apply, please complete our application form (which can be found on our website) and submit it with a covering letter by Monday 14th of October to hr@cumnor.co.uk

For more information about Cumnor House Sussex or this role, please call Karen German, Head of HR, on 01825 790347 or visit our website:

https://cumnor.co.uk/information/career-opportunities/

CHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff to share this commitment. A successful application will be dependent upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and other safeguarding checks and screening, including references. All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children, and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policies which are available on our website. Please note that applications will be considered as they arrive, and CHS reserves the right to make an appointment at any time.