Frank Wise School caters for 120 students aged between 2 and 19 years with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Currently, the school has 12 broadly chronologically-based classes, including a Foundation class and a Post-16 class. Students are grouped by age to enable every child to develop within a socially diverse Family Group in which each child is valued as a unique individual. The school enjoys an excellent reputation and was graded outstanding by Ofsted in November 2024 for the fifth consecutive time.
Role Description
The Site Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the school's environment is safe, welcoming, and supports learning. This is both a strategic and hands-on position, requiring the post holder to lead on the development and maintenance of the school site, manage external contractors, and contribute to long-term planning, while also undertaking day-to-day practical tasks. The role requires flexibility, initiative, and decision-making skills to meet the unique needs of a special school setting.
JOB DETAILS:
Grade: 9 (Point 23–26)
Starting Salary: £33,366 (before the recent 3.2% national pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Working Pattern:
Monday–Thursday: 7:30am – 11:00am, 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 11:00am, 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Holiday Entitlement:
: 30 days a year (excluding 8 bank holidays) to be taken during school holidays
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic :
• Lead on the strategic management of the school site, buildings, grounds and vehicles to support the school's vision and priorities.
• Develop and implement site-related policies (e.g., health and safety, security, sustainability, lettings).
• Contribute to capital projects, liaising with contractors, architects, and local authority representatives.
• Advise senior leaders and governors on compliance, risk assessments, and long-term site planning.
• Monitor budgets for site maintenance and development, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Promote environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly initiatives.
Operational / Hands-On :
• Ensure the site is safe, clean, and well-maintained at all times.
• Manage and supervise cleaners, and external contractors.
• Carry out routine repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Oversee site security, including opening/closing of the premises and managing access control.
• Respond to emergencies (e.g., breakages, leaks, fire alarms).
• Organise all routine compliance checks and maintain accurate records(e.g., water safety, fire safety, asbestos),
* Support the logistical setup of classrooms, events, and activities.
THE APPLICANT
Essential:
• Proven experience in facilities or site management or other comparable professional experience.
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation.
• Effective planning skills and with the willingness to engage in practical, hands-on tasks.
• Effective personal skills, with empathy and patience.
• Excellent organisation, record-keeping, and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the site.
• Aligned with the school's vision and priorities.
• A valid driving licence is required to carry out collections and drop-offs of minibuses, including transporting vehicles for inspections, servicing, MOTs, and related activities. A Category D1 driving licence would be desirable.
• Effective computer skills
Desirable:
• Experience working in a school or other complex multi-user organisation.
• Recognised qualification in site/facilities management or health and safety (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH).
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles as they apply to site management.
The qualities we are looking for are:
• Energy, enthusiasm, warmth and a sense of humour
• A commitment and positive attitude towards the education of pupils with disabilities
• Common sense, flexibility, resilience and a willingness to learn, with an eye for detail and ability to use initiative
• Highly motivated, fit, healthy and willing to work as a member of a lively, committed and hardworking team
• A passion for excellence and the capability to enjoy the challenges associated with a motivated school, committed to high professional standards in all aspects of its workWe are looking for people who will fully support the stated purpose, values and aims of the school and will be able to play a major part in all aspects of its future development.We believe that the relevant skills for this post can be taught, but the positive attitudes required cannot.
In addition:
Applicants must respect the need for confidentiality and professionalism which this post demands.The person appointed should enjoy the challenges that are associated with a school motivated and committed to high professional standards.
Application details can be found here -