Facilities Manager

The Role   

The Facilities Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the academy’s physical environment is safe, efficient, and welcoming for all users. This position is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of premises-related functions, including maintenance, security, cleaning, lettings, and contractor management. By leading the premises team and liaising with external service providers, the Facilities Manager ensures that the academy’s buildings and grounds are maintained to the highest standards, supporting both educational excellence and community engagement.  

With a strong focus on compliance, sustainability, and value for money, the Facilities Manager contributes to the smooth running of the academy by implementing key policies and procedures, particularly those relating to health and safety. This role also involves budget management and the optimisation of systems to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. As a principal key holder and designated first aider, the Facilities Manager is integral to the day-to-day functioning and long-term development of the academy’s facilities.  

Overall Premises Management 

• Lead all aspects of premises operations including maintenance, security, lettings, cleaning, procurement, and contractor oversight. 

• Manage the premises team to ensure high standards of upkeep and responsiveness. 

• Ensure the academy presents a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, visitors, and contractors. 

• Implement and uphold academy policies, procedures, and risk assessments. 

• Oversee premises budgets, ensuring value for money and sustainability in operations. 

• Act as principal key holder. 

Premises Operations 

• Ensure adequate staffing for daily site needs and emergencies. 

• Use Ark systems (e.g. Every, Concerto) to track maintenance and compliance. 

• Provide training for premises staff and whole school (e.g. manual handling, working at height, fire warden training). 

• Maintain inventory of furniture and fittings. 

• Maximise lettings income and ensure facilities are prepared and restored appropriately. 

Building & Grounds Maintenance 

• Ensure all equipment and plant are operational during academy hours and events. 

• Carry out and coordinate maintenance and repairs. 

• Maintain clean, hazard-free grounds and accurate building plans

•  Manage contracts and services, ensuring compliance with Ark procurement guidance. 

• Oversee catering equipment maintenance and ensure equipment is in full working order. 

• Develop a 10-year strategic maintenance plan by using a condition survey report. 

• Submit funding bids for sustainability initiatives (e.g. LED lighting). 

Cleaning 

• Liaise with contractors to ensure whole school cleaning standard is maintained to a high level. 

• Respond promptly to spillages and ensure the school remains graffiti clear. 

• Ensure the kitchen meets a 5-star food hygiene standard. 

Site Security 

• Liaise with the Site Security Team to ensure the Academy is open and closed as required. 

• Respond to any out-of-hour issues and liaise with police/fire brigade as needed. 

• Manage CCTV systems and key/code/fob security. 

Health & Safety 

• Lead on all health and safety matters, including incident investigations. 

• Participate with any H&S/Fire Risk Inspections and ensure any actions are completed. 

• Maintain fire safety equipment and ensure clear escape routes. 

• Chair the Health & Safety Committee and act on agreed actions. 

• Stay updated on legislation and ensure compliance. 

• Maintain and update risk assessments. 

• Deliver staff training and manage contractor safety and DBS compliance. 

• Report unresolved hazards to the Vice Principal – Business & Community. 

Sustainability & Business Continuity 

• Optimise the Building Management System and monitor utility usage. 

• Support sustainability schemes and carbon reduction initiatives. 

Additional Duties 

• Set up spaces for teaching, events, and exams. 

• Serve on committees and support academy events. 

• Carry out fire marshal, till, and invigilation duties as needed. 

• Undertake training and work flexibly as part of the Business Support Team. 

• Attend and support out of hours academy events e.g., summer fair, parents’ evenings  

• Share best practice across the Ark network and South London region. 

• Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the Executive Principal and ALT members