Oak Tree School is seeking to appoint a Site Manager to lead the day-to-day management of the school site, buildings, grounds, security, maintenance and premises operations. This is a key role in ensuring that the school environment is safe, secure, clean, well maintained and ready to support high-quality teaching, learning and wider school life.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

The successful candidate will work under the general direction of the Trust Estates Manager and closely with school leaders on a day-to-day operational basis. They will ensure essential works, maintenance tasks and site-related requests are completed according to priority, while maintaining strong Health and Safety, compliance and security arrangements. The role includes line management responsibility for site assistants, where applicable, and may involve supporting other schools across Maiden Erlegh Trust. 

Key Responsibilities

The role will include:

• Maintaining the school site, buildings, grounds and learning environment so that they are safe, secure, clean, operational and well presented for students, colleagues and visitors. 

• Ensuring essential works, maintenance tasks and premises-related requests are completed on a priority basis. 

• Carrying out regular checks and inspections of the premises, equipment and grounds, keeping accurate records where appropriate. 

• Undertaking Health and Safety checks, including legionella testing, fire alarm testing and PAT testing, under the guidance of the Trust Estates Manager. 

• Maintaining the Fire Safety Logbook and contributing to Health and Safety compliance meetings. 

• Acting as a key holder and responding appropriately to alarms, unforeseen events, evacuations, lockdowns and site security requirements. 

• Managing contractors, premises-related contracts, supplies, work requests and documentation to ensure the site is maintained to a high standard. 

• Monitoring maintenance, repair and cleaning materials budgets in conjunction with the Trust Estates Manager and school leaders. 

• Drawing up and managing a rolling programme of redecoration, refurbishment and preventative maintenance. 

• Personally undertaking minor repairs and maintenance tasks that are within the postholder’s competence. 

• Leading and deploying the premises team effectively, including supporting training, development and wellbeing where applicable. 

• Maintaining effective professional relationships with colleagues, parents and carers, contractors, external agencies and other stakeholders. 

We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of working in a similar environment and the ability to take ownership of a busy and varied premises role. The successful candidate will be able toThe Ideal Candidate prioritise effectively, use initiative, work independently when needed and contribute positively to a coordinated team environment.

The ideal candidate will have good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work constructively with school leaders, colleagues, students, parents and carers, contractors and external agencies. They will have a strong understanding of Health and Safety in relation to buildings maintenance, knowledge and experience of maintaining buildings, and IT skills including use of Outlook, Excel and database software.

A First Aid qualification, IOSH Managing Safely and Legionella Responsible Person training are desirable, although willingness to work towards these qualifications will also be considered. The role also requires the ability to travel across schools within the Trust, a full UK driving licence and access to own transport. 

About Oak Tree School

Oak Tree School is a calm, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where relationships come first and every young person is supported to thrive on their own terms. Our learners, aged 5–19, benefit from a personalised curriculum that blends academic learning with highly specialised therapeutic and developmental support. As a school created in September 2023 to meet the growing need for specialist places across the local community, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing setting where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to flourish. 

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.