Estates Manager

Deadline Date: 21st January 2022

Yarm School is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, enthusiastic Estates Manager to take ownership for the development, maintenance, improvement and safe operation of the three school sites.

Yarm School is a highly successful 3-18 coeducational day school, situated in the attractive and historic town of Yarm on a beautiful stretch of the River Tees. Set in stunning landscaped gardens based around The Friarage Building, the school combines historic and modern accommodation and provides outstanding classroom, music and sporting facilities. All three of our school sites are just a short walk from Yarm High Street and include an 18 acre parkland campus for the Senior School with nearby sites for the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep Schools. Further sporting facilities are available a short distance from the school with 23 acres of grass pitches at Green Lane and a further 8 acres at our Aislaby site.

The state-of-the-art teaching facilities include science laboratories, art and design studios, a design and technology workshop, ICT suites and much more. The performing arts centre for music, dance and drama includes the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, a separate studio theatre, a dance studio and music performance suite. The stunning 750-seat auditorium is perfect for performances, assemblies and exams. In addition, we have a 140-seat lecture theatre.

Job Title: Estates Manager
Reports to: Finance Manager and Headmaster

This role is central to the successful running of this vibrant School, and the postholder will have significant responsibility in a number of important areas. They will work closely with senior colleagues in all three sites and will report to the Finance Manager and the Headmaster.

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Provide a dynamic and comprehensive oversight of and responsibility for the maintenance, repair and improvement of all school buildings, grounds and facilities.
• Ensure that all requirements of Health and Safety Legislation and best practice are observed throughout the School, being responsible for the formulation, monitoring and implementation of School Policy, to include oversight of effective Risk Assessment.
• Demonstrate exceptional Leadership and Management of the Estates Department, which includes caretaking, cleaning and security teams as well as external contractors.
• Provide secure and strategic financial control and oversight of the Premises budgets including competitive tendering and ensuring best value for the school.
• Ensure comprehensive compliance with all relevant statutory expectations relating to the School’s Estate, including in relation to the Independent Schools Inspectorate, incorporating the necessary record keeping and policy oversight.

Package/Salary:

Salary between £44,995 and £49,754, dependent on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits detailed in the Application Pack.

Candidate profile:

• Proven track record of strategic premises management
• Demonstrable successful management of external contractors including staffing checks and managing preferred contractors’ list
• Experience and success in strategic forward planning and project management including reactive, routine and planned preventative maintenance
• Excellent people management skills, leadership and management experience with the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents of the School community
• Ideally, an industry recognised qualification in building and construction (e.g. HNC in Building Studies)
• Demonstrable knowledge of specialist and technical regulatory compliance regulations, including Health & Safety, Security and emergency procedures
• The highest of personal standards, and a desire to provide exceptional service to the school, protecting and enhancing its reputation for quality
• Technically and administratively efficient, with an ability to adapt quickly to changes and provide creative, astute and efficient solutions under time pressure, when required

All applicants must use the Application Form provided, together with submitting a covering letter to the Headmaster, explaining why the applicant is suited to the post; CVs may also be submitted but are not a substitute for the Application Form. Download the full job description, application form and application process below. All applications must be sent via email to HR@yarmschool.org

Please note that Yarm School is currently on Christmas break and will not be able to answer any questions or respond in other ways until Friday 7th January 2022.

A DBS Enhanced DIsclosure with Barred List Check is a requirement for this role.

Yarm School is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and to ensuring that each employee feels respected and able to give their best.