Site Manager | Primary Academy | Luton

CORE PURPOSE

We require a highly competent, proactive Site Manager to lead the operational management, estate maintenance, and statutory health and safety compliance across our primary campus. Operating within a supportive environment, the successful candidate will oversee the site team, manage contractor relationships, direct planned preventative maintenance, and ensure a secure, clean, and fully safe environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

THE SCHOOL

A three-form entry primary academy (Ages 3–11) located in Luton, Bedfordshire. The school provides a welcoming, structured primary environment with a strong emphasis on safe outdoor learning spaces. The estates and operations department functions as a close-knit unit alongside senior leadership, using simple digital ticketing tools to ensure daily maintenance, playground safety, and contractor operations run smoothly during standard working hours.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Estate Leadership & Operations: Line-manage caretaking and cleaning staff, managing shift rotas, task delegation, and daily operational priorities across the primary grounds and buildings.

• Health & Safety Compliance: Manage and maintain statutory compliance records, including fire safety systems, legionella controls, playground equipment checks, gas/electrical safety, and risk assessments.

• Project & Contractor Management: Oversee external contractors and campus improvement projects, ensuring work is completed to specification, on schedule, and in full alignment with safeguarding protocols.

• Planned & Reactive Maintenance: Develop and execute a comprehensive Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedule while overseeing prompt responses to daily facilities requests.

• Budgeting & Facilities Management: Manage the premises budget in conjunction with the school business manager, obtaining competitive quotes for facilities goods and services, and overseeing out-of-hours community lettings setup.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: A recognized health and safety qualification (such as IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH Certificate) alongside a relevant trade background or facilities management certification is highly desirable.

• Experience: Proven experience in facilities management, estate supervision, or site management, ideally within a primary school, secondary academy, or public sector setting.

• Skills: Strong leadership abilities, thorough working knowledge of statutory health and safety legislation, practical problem-solving skills, and proficiency in digital facilities management software.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the vibrant, multicultural town of Luton, the school serves an energetic and supportive local community. The area offers a blend of bustling commercial centres, rich industrial heritage, and nearby green spaces such as Wardown Park and Stockwood Discovery Centre, supported by engaged local families.

• Transport & Commuting: Luton benefits from outstanding transport infrastructure, situated right along the M1 motorway corridor (Junctions 10 and 11) and the A6. Public transit connections are exceptional, featuring extensive local bus routes and frequent, direct Thameslink rail services via Luton and Luton Airport Parkway stations, offering fast routes to London St Pancras, Bedford, and Brighton.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.