Facilities Manager – Oakleigh & St Clare’s

The Role

Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse yet connected schools, spanning sixteen different countries. We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed. With over 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia, we employ 15,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 75,000 students.

We have an exciting position for a Facilities Manager who will report into the Operations Manager. They will play an integral role in the safe and efficient running of the school or schools under their remit, ensuring that the facilities and grounds deliver a brilliant student, colleague and parent experience.

Please note: This role is based at Oakleigh and St Clare’s with travel between the schools as part of the role.

The Facilities Manager is responsible for ensuring that the school is well maintained, and the infrastructure, facilities and equipment are safe, secure and fit for purpose. They will ensure full compliance with our legal obligations and the smooth operations of our estate.

The Facilities Manager will take pride in how the school is presented, have a can-do attitude to fixing things when needed: they are the guardians of high standards.

Key Responsibilities will include, (but not limited to):

• Takes overall responsibility for premises and facility management across the cluster
• Health & Safety Coordinator for the school
• Accountable for ensuring facilities compliance across the cluster. Includes fire safety, the scheduling of fire evacuations and security lock downs.
• Oversees an annual repair and maintenance schedule to include statutory maintenance and annual inspections in accordance with legislation. Reports all ad hoc defects and manages the timely repairs
• Conducts regular site walks to assess the presentation, function and working of the school grounds and facilities, creating action plans to address improvement areas
• Preparing the specification and managing minor works and refurbishments as and when required
• Managing third party contractors to complete facility repairs and upgrades and coordinate on capex improvement or development projects for the school
• Central co-ordination and access as a key point of contact for any accident, incident or near miss occurrence. Ensuring thorough investigation, review, recording of information and escalation
• Responsible for site security, key holder duties, and ensuring open and closing of premises at designated times including weekends and events, as per agreed rota
• Where applicable – the Facilities Manager acts as the school transport coordinator for the school buses and vans (different for each school)

The ideal candidate will have first class organisational skills, enjoys interacting with others and partnering with the wider team. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to deal with people on all levels with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy.

Previous Experience Must Include:

• Experience of managing facilities, ideally across multiple sites/locations
• Experience of managing large complex events
• Previous experience of working in a complex, busy, service-driven culture
• Degree or vocational qualifications in facilities management, H&S (IOSH) etc

Here at Cognita we offer a Competitive Salary with some other benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Professional development
• School fee discount
• 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply by submitting a CV by 5:00pm on Thursday 8th June to recruitment@cognita.com

Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair, inclusive and equitable in our recruitment process.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• To comply with safeguarding policies, procedures and code of conduct
• To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding & student/colleague wellbeing
• To ensure that safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported appropriately in line with policy
• To engage in safeguarding training when required

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Cognita is committed to preserving and promoting equality of opportunity in all aspects of the conduct of its business.

No member of staff or any applicant for employment with Cognita will be discriminated against, harassed or victimised because of their personal characteristics. Cognita expects all staff to comply with the letter and the spirit of its policy.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply by submitting a CV by 5:00pm on Thursday 8th June to recruitment@cognita.com