The role of Facilities Manager is central to creating a safe, welcoming, and high-quality environment where our students can thrive. At Aspire Schools, we provide a space for young people who need a different approach to education. Our buildings and grounds are more than just physical spaces; they are therapeutic environments that foster a sense of security, respect, and belonging.

As the Facilities Manager, you will take full ownership of the school estate, ensuring that our facilities are safe, compliant, and optimised to support the unique needs of our students and staff. We are therefore looking for someone skilled in:

• Estates management, overseeing the daily operation, maintenance and cleanliness of the school buildings and grounds.
• Health & Safety compliance, ensuring strict adherence to all statutory compliance, risk assessments, fire safety and health and safety regulations.
• Contractor management, including sourcing, negotiating with and supervising external contractors for major repairs, servicing and capital projects.
• Planned and reactive maintenance, developing robust maintenance schedules whilst responding swiftly to urgent repair needs.
• Security and site access, including managing site security systems, emergency opening/closing procedures, and acting as a primary key holder.
• Budget control, managing the facilities and maintenance budget effectively, ensuring maximum value for money.

Working in an alternative provision setting requires a distinct mindset. Our students have often faced barriers in mainstream education, and the physical environment plays a massive role in their emotional regulation and engagement.

• Impactful Environment: Your work will directly impact student well-being by keeping spaces calm, safe, and inspiring.
• Community Connection: You will be a visible, positive adult role model on site, interacting daily with our resilient student body.
• Adaptability: You will collaborate closely with school leadership to adapt spaces for therapeutic or specialist educational needs.

The Facilities Manager leads a team of three site officers and four chefs across our six sites. You will also oversee the external cleaning contractors as well as any other external contractors engaged to work on our sites and facilities.

Aspire is a wonderful place to work, where everyone understands how their day-to-day work improves the life chances of the disadvantaged young people and communities that we serve. If you feel that our values align to yours, and you have the knowledge and experience to carry out this vital role, we very much look forward to hearing from you.