Job Description

Job Title: Site Manager

Location:

Bruern Abbey School, Chesterton, Oxon, OX26 1UY

Contract Type:

Full-time, Permanent - 5 weeks holiday to be taken in school holidays + bank holidays

Hours:

40 hours per week

Salary:

dependent on experience

Reports to:

Domestic Bursar

Start Date:

September 2025

Job Purpose

The Site Manager plays a key role in ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the school's premises and grounds. Working within a weekly boarding environment, the Site Manager supports the day-to-day functioning of the school by overseeing site maintenance, compliance, security, and logistical support. The role requires a proactive, hands-on individual with strong practical and organisational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Premises Management

Take overall responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of all school buildings and grounds, working in conjunction with the external grounds maintenance contractor and carrying out on-site grounds work where necessary. Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules. Ensure the premises are clean, well-maintained, and safe at all times, including boarding areas, classrooms, dining facilities, and swimming pool. Ensure heating, lighting, water, and alarm systems are operational and regularly serviced.

Health, Safety & Compliance

The Site Manager will also be an active member of the school's Health & Safety team. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental legislation. Maintain accurate records of fire drills, risk assessments, COSHH data, and other statutory requirements. Conduct regular inspections of buildings, plant, and equipment. Liaise with external contractors to ensure safe working practices and legal compliance.

Security

Ensure the school site is secure at the end of each day, checking doors, windows, and handover to the boarding team as appropriate. Act as a designated keyholder and respond to emergency callouts if required. Coordinate with senior staff regarding site security protocols.

Collaboration Across Departments

The Site Manager plays a key role in facilitating smooth day-to-day operations by working closely with key departments across the school:

Housekeeping

Liaise regularly with the Housekeeper to ensure cleaning and housekeeping needs are supported and aligned with maintenance activities. Coordinate access and timing for cleaning and repair work to minimise disruption. Support logistical arrangements where work overlaps with housekeeping functions (e.g. deep cleans, termly changeovers, or refurbishments).

Boarding Team

Work in partnership with the boarding staff to ensure that boarding houses are safe, well-maintained, and ready for weekly pupil transitions. Respond promptly to maintenance issues affecting boarding accommodation. Support termly room inspections, minor repairs, and reconfigurations as needed.

Grounds Maintenance Contractor

Liaise closely with the external grounds maintenance contractor to ensure grounds work is carried out in line with school expectations, schedules, and standards. Maintain awareness of planned works and communicate any site access or safety requirements. Carry out minor grounds tasks when required and ensure grounds remain safe and presentable.

Catering/Kitchen Team

Coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure catering areas, equipment access, and waste management needs are supported. Plan maintenance activities to avoid disruption during key meal service times. Respond to any urgent repairs affecting catering operations (e.g. lighting, plumbing, or access).

Swimming Pool Maintenance

Take responsibility for the routine maintenance and safe operation of the school's swimming pool, including plant and water quality checks. Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety standards and recording requirements. Liaise with external specialists for servicing or repairs beyond routine upkeep.

Team Leadership

Line manage the Assistant Site Manager, including task delegation, scheduling, and workload oversight. Provide support, direction, and attend training where required. Ensure effective communication and coordination within the site team.

Project Management & Development

Manage and oversee minor building projects and refurbishment works. Liaise with contractors, architects, and consultants as required. Provide support in the development and delivery of the school's estates strategy.

Operational Support

Assist with the setting up of school events, exams, and functions. Ensure efficient waste management and recycling. Support the logistical needs of the boarding houses during weekly transitions (e.g., preparing rooms, ongoing maintenance and repair of dorms, etc.).

Person Specification

Essential

Proven experience in facilities or site management. Practical maintenance skills across a range of trades (e.g., plumbing, joinery, decorating). Strong practical, organisational and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of health & safety legislation and compliance (e.g. COSHH, Fire Safety, Legionella). Ability to manage and prioritise workloads effectively. Demonstrates tidy and methodical working practices, with tools, equipment, and storage areas kept clean, safe, and well-organised at all times. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with staff across departments. Competent IT skills, including the ability to use email, online training platforms, and basic digital record-keeping systems for logging maintenance tasks. Ability to manage and work collaboratively with other departments. Willingness to work flexibly if required. Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

Experience working in a school environment. Swimming pool management experience.

Safeguarding Statement

Bruern Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

How to Apply

Please contact

fwalton@bruernabbey.org

for an application form.

Closing date:

01/08/2025

Interview date:

4th & 5th August 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 27,701.40-40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Life insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 01/08/2025
Reference ID: Site Manager
Expected start date: 08/09/2025