Job Description

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**We are open to part-time or flexible working arrangements for the right candidate; as this is a new role, there may be scope to undertake the position on reduced hours with additional support.**

The Trust's Estates Manager will lead the strategic and operational management of the Trust's estate in line with our 2025-2030 Estates Strategy. In this new role, you will ensure that our schools are safe, compliant, well-maintained and sustainable learning environments. Working closely with executive trust leaders, headteachers, the trust board, local governing committees, and site staff, you will develop and implement estate plans that support the Trust's educational vision and ethos. A key aspect of the role is to provide professional oversight of site/caretaking staff and to lay the groundwork for further development of centralised estates management services. The Estates Manager will drive compliance, maintenance, capital projects, procurement, and energy efficiency initiatives across the Trust's estate, in alignment with Department for Education guidance on Good Estate Management for Schools. Ultimately, this role exists to ensure our school buildings and grounds are safe, sustainable, and conducive to outstanding education, reflecting the Trust's values of Opportunity, Challenge, and Integrity in the learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Estate Leadership: Lead the delivery of the Trust's estates strategy and longer-term estate development plans (2025-2030). Work with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable estates plans, policies, and targets. Provide expert guidance to the trust board and senior leaders on estate development, aligning property decisions with the Trust's educational priorities and growth plans.

Asset Management & Maintenance Planning: Develop and maintain an asset management plan for all buildings, grounds, and infrastructure across 12 school sites. Use data (condition surveys, risk assessments, maintenance logs) to prioritise maintenance works and lifecycle replacements, ensuring each school is safe, warm, and weatherproof. Create planned preventative maintenance schedules and a rolling programme of repairs/refurbishments. Monitor site conditions and proactively address issues to minimise disruption to learning.

Statutory Compliance & Health/Safety: Serve as the Trust's competent person for estates compliance. Ensure all schools comply with statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g. health and safety, fire safety, asbestos management, water hygiene, electrical/gas safety, playground and premises inspections). Maintain an up-to-date compliance tracker and remediate any identified issues promptly. Develop and enforce robust Health & Safety policies and procedures related to premises management, in line with DfE guidance. Organise regular site audits, risk assessments, and staff training to promote a strong safety culture. Provide termly compliance reports to Trust leadership and the Board.

Facilities Operations Support: Provide professional oversight and support to each school's Site Manager/Caretaker. Set trust-wide standards and guidance for daily premises operations (security, cleaning, minor repairs, snow/grit, etc.). Establish effective communication channels and regular meetings/training for site staff to share best practices. While not the direct line manager, act as a mentor and technical expert for site teams. In the longer term, assist the Trust in developing further centralised estates management services.

Capital Projects & Improvement Works: Lead on planning and delivery of capital projects across the Trust (e.g. building expansions, refurbishments, capital grant projects). Work with school leaders to identify priority projects that align with curriculum needs and capacity requirements. Prepare and submit funding bids (including DfE Condition Improvement Fund bids and other capital funding applications). Once funding is secured, oversee the end-to-end project management: develop project briefs, procure and manage architects/contractors, ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Implement strong project governance and report on project progress to the Trust.

Procurement & Contractor Management: Manage the procurement of estates-related services and contracts on behalf of the Trust, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and achieving best value for money. This includes contracts for maintenance services, grounds keeping, cleaning and specialist inspections. Develop a preferred supplier list and use framework agreements where appropriate. Oversee and evaluate the performance of external contractors, ensuring that work is carried out safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Budgeting & Resource Management: In partnership with the CFOO and Head of Finance, plan and manage the Trust-wide estates budget. Forecast and control expenditure on maintenance, compliance, and projects, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money. Identify opportunities for cost savings or income generation through the estate (for example, energy savings, lettings of facilities, or shared service contracts). Ensure accurate record-keeping of all estates expenditure and contribute to long-term financial planning for capital investment.

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: Champion sustainability across our school estates. Develop and implement an energy management plan to reduce carbon footprint and cut energy costs. Monitor utility usage (electricity, heating, water) and drive initiatives such as improved insulation, efficient heating systems, LED lighting, and smart energy controls. Explore opportunities for renewable energy installations or grants. Promote sustainable practices (recycling, biodiversity in school grounds, sustainable procurement) to align the estate with the Trust's environmental objectives and the wider public sector goal of carbon reduction.

Emergency Planning & Risk Management: Oversee premises-related emergency planning and response. Ensure each site has up-to-date emergency plans for incidents like fire, flood, severe weather, or security lockdowns. Lead the Trust's response to major premises issues, coordinating urgent repairs or school closures if necessary. Conduct regular risk assessments and scenario planning to mitigate estate-related risks. Liaise with insurers and regulatory bodies as required on estate matters (e.g. insurance inspections, HSE visits).

Reporting & Governance: Prepare regular reports for the CEO, CFOO, and Trust Board on estate matters - including compliance status, condition data, project updates, and key risks. Attend relevant committee or Board meetings to present estate updates and advise on strategic decisions regarding the estate. Ensure that all estate management activities reflect the Trust's commitment to providing outstanding learning environments and are in line with Good Estate Management for Schools best practice (DfE).

Note: This role requires frequent travel between school sites across Essex. A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are essential. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed to supervise major works or respond to urgent issues.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training:

Relevant professional qualification in estates/facilities management, building services, surveying or a related field (e.g. IWFM Level 4/5, RICS, NEBOSH Certificate).
IOSH/NEBOSH health and safety qualification, or willingness to obtain one.
Evidence of continued professional development in areas such as compliance, building regulations, project management or energy management.

Experience:

• Substantial experience managing estates or facilities across multiple sites, ideally within education, public sector or a similarly regulated environment.
• Proven track record of developing maintenance plans and managing building maintenance programs, with knowledge of building construction, M&E (mechanical & electrical) systems, and lifecycle planning.
• Experience leading capital projects or refurbishment works - from preparing project bids/business cases through to contractor management and project delivery.
• Demonstrable experience ensuring statutory compliance across an estate (e.g. fire safety, asbestos, H&S audits), with up-to-date knowledge of legislation and best practice standards.
• Experience in budget management and procurement of contractors/services, with an ability to drive value for money and efficiency. Public sector procurement knowledge is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS) or similar estate management frameworks is desirable, as is experience working with school leaders or governing bodies on estate issues.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of health & safety regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management in an estates context. Ability to develop and implement H&S policies and procedures for premises.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills - able to coordinate activities across multiple sites and teams, and to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills - capable of advising and influencing senior leaders, and building positive relationships with headteachers, governors, contractors and community stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of procurement and contract management principles; ability to draft specifications and manage supplier performance.
• Financial acumen with the ability to plan budgets, monitor costs, and report on financial performance related to estates.
• IT literate, including good general MS Office skills and experience using estates/facilities management software or compliance monitoring systems. Comfortable analysing data (e.g. energy usage, condition reports) to inform decisions.
• Problem-solving skills and initiative - able to troubleshoot building issues and respond calmly and efficiently to unexpected problems or emergencies.
• Understanding of sustainability and energy efficiency measures in building management, with a passion for environmental improvement.

Personal Attributes:

Leadership:
Inspiring leader who can provide clear direction to site staff and contractors, and who is willing to be hands-on when necessary. Able to develop a high-performing culture of service and safety.

Initiative and Drive:
Self-motivated and proactive, with a "can-do" approach to overcoming challenges. Takes ownership of projects and sees tasks through to completion.

Attention to Detail:
Diligent and meticulous in maintaining records, plans, and compliance documentation. Committed to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Flexibility:
Adaptable and willing to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Trust - including occasional out-of-hours work. Able to travel routinely to all school sites (full driving license required).

Teamwork and Integrity:
A collaborative team player who embodies the Trust's values of integrity and respect. Able to build trust and rapport with colleagues at all levels. Committed to the welfare of students and staff, and to the Trust's ethos of "One body, many members - flourishing together."

Information about the School

🏆 Tes Trust of the Year 2025

Canonium Learning Trust is a charitable educational trust comprising a growing family of schools across Essex. We are proud to have been named "Tes Trust of the Year" (9 Schools or Fewer) in 2025, a national award that recognises excellence in education, innovation in leadership, and the power of community collaboration.

At the heart of our Trust is a shared belief that every child deserves the best possible education, regardless of the size or location of their school. We work relentlessly to nurture each child's potential and enthusiasm for learning, so that they leave our schools ready to embrace future challenges and make a positive contribution to society.

Our Purpose

We exist to create environments where pupils thrive and staff are empowered. Our work is guided by three core principles that define how our schools operate and collaborate:

Opportunity

We are committed to making the most of every opportunity to give our pupils an outstanding, inclusive, and well-rounded education. We work smartly, invest in staff development, and foster collaboration and shared learning across all our schools.

Challenge

We embrace challenge as a driver for improvement. We strike the right balance between school-level autonomy and trust-wide consistency, ensuring a clear focus on high-quality teaching and learning. Feedback, ambition, and a culture of continuous improvement underpin our approach.

Integrity

Integrity is at the core of how we lead, teach, and work together. We model fairness, respect, and open communication. We have the courage to do the right thing, take ownership of our actions, and hold ourselves and others to high standards - always with the best interests of children at heart.

If you're interested in joining a trust that is innovative, collaborative, and values-driven, and want to be part of a team recognised nationally for excellence, Canonium Learning Trust could be the right place for you.

🔗 Learn more about our Trust and current opportunities: www.canonium.org