CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking a proactive, highly skilled Premises Manager to take strategic and operational responsibility for the security, health and safety, maintenance, and facilities management of our school campus. Working directly alongside the Headteacher and School Business Manager, the successful candidate will lead the site team, manage external contractors, oversee capital building projects, and maintain a safe, sustainable, and high-quality environment for all pupils and staff.

THE SCHOOL

Set in a bright, modern campus featuring specialized science and technology hubs, extensive outdoor sports facilities, and dedicated community zones, this energetic secondary academy serves over 1,000 pupils across South East London. The school combines high academic ambition with a strong commitment to providing a safe, well-maintained physical environment. The premises management team serves as a crucial operational backbone within the school, utilizing digital asset tracking systems and planned maintenance frameworks to ensure facilities run smoothly, safely, and efficiently every day.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Strategic Facilities Leadership: Plan and execute statutory maintenance schedules, manage site improvement projects, and oversee daily premises operations across the campus.

• Health & Safety Compliance: Serve as the Lead Health & Safety Officer, conducting risk assessments, fire safety checks, water hygiene (legionella) monitoring, and COSHH compliance audits.

• Security & Emergency Planning: Manage site security routines, oversee CCTV and access control systems, lead emergency response procedures, and maintain site perimeter integrity.

• Contractor & Project Supervision: Negotiate, monitor, and evaluate external service contracts (HVAC, cleaning, groundskeeping, catering equipment), ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and within budget.

• Team Leadership & Budget Management: Supervise site staff and caretaking teams, delegate work tickets, manage the premises operational budget, and coordinate out-of-hours school lettings.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Relevant qualification in facilities management (e.g., IWFM), building trades, or IOSH Managing Safely / NEBOSH. First Aid and Manual Handling certifications are highly desirable.

• Experience: Proven experience as a Premises Manager, Site Manager, or Estates Coordinator within an educational setting, academy trust, or large public sector facility.

• Skills: Strong practical facilities management knowledge, in-depth understanding of building regulations and health & safety law, proficient IT skills, and excellent team leadership capabilities.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the vibrant South East London borough of Lewisham Click to open side panel for more information , the school serves an ambitious, diverse, and culturally rich community. Blending bustling town centres like Catford and Lewisham with picturesque green spaces such as Blackheath, Hilly Fields, and Mountsfield Park, the area offers an exciting urban environment with strong community connections.

• Transport & Commuting: Lewisham Click to open side panel for more information benefits from exceptional transport infrastructure, with direct road connections via the A2, A20, and A205 (South Circular) corridors. Public transit is outstanding, served by extensive London Bus networks, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and Southeastern / Thameslink train services providing fast, direct routes into Central London hubs like London Bridge, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.