Estate Manager

About this role

Head of Estates & Operations

West London | £45,000 + substantial tax-free accommodation benefit.

The List has been exclusively retained by a highly regarded independent school in West London to identify an outstanding Head of Estates & Operations for appointment as soon as possible.

This is a broad, hands-on operational leadership role with responsibility for the School’s estate, buildings, grounds, security, contractors, facilities, and day-to-day operational resilience.

And there is a very significant benefit: the role comes with a three-bedroom house/cottage within the School grounds. This accommodation is a tax-free benefit in kind, estimated at circa £36,000 per annum, based on the rental market for comparable accommodation in this part of London.

The School is looking for someone who brings the leadership, organisation, discipline, practical problem-solving and can-do attitude synonymous with the UK Armed Forces.

You do not need to be a technical estates specialist. The School already uses specialist contractors and external advisers for areas such as Health & Safety, fire safety, food safety and other technical/compliance requirements. Your role is to lead, coordinate and hold those providers to account, ensuring that the estate is safe, secure, well maintained and operationally effective.

You will lead a small Estates team and manage a wide range of contractors and service providers, while taking ownership of:

• Buildings, grounds and facilities
• Planned and reactive maintenance
• Security and access control
• Contractor and supplier management
• Capital projects and refurbishments
• Sports facilities and outdoor areas
• Emergency response and business continuity
• School events, lettings and operational support
• Estate assets, accommodation and space utilisation
• Sustainability and environmental initiatives

This is a hands-on, roll sleeves up, doing role for someone who is comfortable taking responsibility, organising people and resources, solving problems and making things happen.

You will be expected to spot what needs to be done and not wait to be instructed.

The School is particularly interested in hearing from ex-UK Armed Forces personnel with the leadership and operational experience to make the transition into a busy independent-school environment. The location affords employment potential in London for a partner and/or dependants. The school can also offer significant fee abatements to the Estate Managers children from ages 3 to 18.

Please register your initial interest with an up-to-date CV, or link to an informative Linked In profile.

About facilities & operations roles for ex-police

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