Compass alternative provision is looking for a site manager to join them on a full-time basis to lead the management of a new provision within the company.
Site Manager – Compass Alternative Provision
Location: Brislington, Bristol Contract: Full Time Reports to: Directors and Operations Manager
About the Role
Compass Alternative Provision is seeking an experienced, proactive and inspirational Site Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our new purpose-designed Alternative Provision based in Brislington, Bristol.
The centre has been developed to provide an engaging, therapeutic and vocational learning environment for young people who require an alternative approach to education. The provision includes specialist workshops for car mechanics and carpentry, alongside a fully equipped gym, music studio, working training kitchen, sensory room and dedicated educational classrooms, enabling students to develop practical, academic and personal skills in a safe, nurturing and inspiring setting.
Reporting directly to the Directors and Operations Manager, the Site Manager will have overall responsibility for the operational management of the site, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety, compliance, maintenance, financial management and operational excellence. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee the maintenance and continual development of all learning environments and ensure the provision delivers engaging, high-quality programmes tailored to the individual needs of every young person.
The role will also have a element of teaching supporting the young people that we look after in a 1:1 basis, those responsibilities are detailed below.
A key aspect of the role is developing and coordinating practical learning opportunities delivered in small group settings (typically 3:1 staff-to-student ratios). These programmes will focus on vocational skills, personal development, employability and independence while supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs through a trauma-informed and nurturing approach.
The Site Manager will also be responsible for the effective financial management of the site, overseeing budgets, procurement and resource planning to ensure the provision operates efficiently, sustainably and within agreed financial parameters.
As a key member of the leadership team, the Site Manager will play a significant role in shaping the culture, ethos and future development of the provision, ensuring it remains an inspiring, safe and inclusive environment where young people can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Site Leadership and Operations
- Provide overall operational leadership of the Brislington site.
- Ensure the site is safe, secure, welcoming and maintained to the highest standards.
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of all learning environments, including:
- Car Mechanics Workshop
- Carpentry Workshop
- Gym
- Music Studio
- Training Kitchen
- Sensory Room
- Educational Classrooms
- Intervention and wellbeing spaces
- Coordinate site maintenance, repairs, servicing and statutory inspections.
- Manage contractors and external service providers, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
- Ensure all specialist equipment and facilities are maintained, compliant and fit for purpose.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Lead all aspects of health and safety across the provision.
- Develop, implement and regularly review comprehensive risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, safeguarding requirements and organisational policies.
- Conduct regular site inspections, audits and compliance checks.
- Lead fire safety procedures, emergency planning, accident reporting and first aid arrangements.
- Ensure all workshops, classrooms and specialist areas operate safely and in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Promote a positive culture of health, safety and accountability across the organisation.
Budget and Resource Management
- Manage the operational budget for the Brislington site, ensuring resources are used effectively and provide value for money.
- Plan, procure and oversee the purchase of equipment, tools, machinery, furniture and educational resources required to establish and develop the provision.
- Monitor expenditure against agreed budgets, maintaining accurate financial records and providing regular updates to the Directors and Operations Manager.
- Manage ongoing operational costs, including maintenance, servicing, consumables, utilities and replacement equipment, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed budgets.
- Obtain quotations, negotiate with suppliers and manage contractor relationships to achieve quality, compliance and cost-effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary expenditure and maximise available resources without compromising safety or quality.
- Maintain an accurate asset register and ensure equipment is serviced, maintained and replaced as required.
- Contribute to annual budget planning and financial forecasting to support the continued development and sustainability of the provision.
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, motivate and support a multidisciplinary team of staff.
- Promote a positive, collaborative and solution-focused culture.
- Provide coaching and guidance to staff on safe working practices, behaviour management and student engagement.
- Support recruitment, induction, supervision and performance management where appropriate.
- Lead by example, maintaining high standards of professionalism, safeguarding and inclusion.
- Work closely with the Directors and Operations Manager to drive continuous improvement across the provision.
Vocational Learning and Student Engagement
- Develop and coordinate engaging vocational learning programmes focused on:
- Car Mechanics
- Carpentry
- Practical Construction Skills
- Employability and Life Skills
- Maximise the use of the gym, music studio, training kitchen and sensory room to support student wellbeing, confidence and engagement.
- Deliver or oversee learning in small groups, typically operating within a 3:1 staff-to-student ratio.
- Adapt activities to meet individual learning needs, EHCP outcomes and behaviour support plans where appropriate.
- Develop practical projects that encourage resilience, teamwork, problem-solving and independence.
- Build links with local employers, colleges, training providers and community organisations to enhance opportunities for young people.
Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing
- Promote the welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing of all children and young people.
- Build positive, trusting and respectful relationships with students.
- Support behaviour through restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Work collaboratively with families, schools and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are understood and consistently implemented by all staff.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience managing a site, workshop, vocational setting or educational environment.
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and compliance.
- Experience developing and reviewing risk assessments.
- Experience leading and managing teams.
- Practical knowledge or qualifications in mechanics, carpentry, construction, engineering or a related trade.
- Experience working with young people, particularly those with SEND, SEMH or additional needs.
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
- Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
- Ability to work independently and make informed operational decisions.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).
Desirable
- NEBOSH General Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- Safeguarding training.
- Experience within Alternative Provision or specialist education.
- Experience managing facilities projects or developing new educational environments.
- Knowledge of procurement processes and contract management.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Calm, resilient and adaptable under pressure.
- Practical, hands-on and solution-focused.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong financial awareness and commercial understanding.
- Able to motivate, inspire and develop others.
- Committed to safeguarding, equality and inclusion.
- Dedicated to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards.
Our Vision
Compass Alternative Provision is committed to providing innovative, engaging and meaningful educational experiences that enable every young person to achieve their full potential. Through high-quality vocational learning, therapeutic support and positive relationships, we create opportunities for students to develop confidence, independence, resilience and the skills needed for successful futures.
Teaching Responsibilities and duties:
· Teaching across subjects to students that have Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH).
· Following the schools' holistic outdoor curriculum to support students academically, which may not be at the expected levels for their age.
· Managing challenging behaviour at times.
· Provide termly reports and attend any relevant meetings for your key child.
· Transportation of students from home to site and back plus transportation to outdoor activities.
Essential Criteria:
Must have experience working with students with SEMH/ SEN
Strong behaviour management skills
Have a right to work in the UK (A Valid Visa)
Two recent child based references and relevant DBS/Police checks
Must be a Driver and have access to a car.
Able to work, 5 days per week term time only
Pay: is paid monthly and is dependent on the relevant experiences.
Vetting: Compass is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be a face to face interview. Compass follow a safer recruitment policy and will require references from all previous employment related to children.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.
For further information, please contact Oliver Slym at Compass Alternative Provision.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you have access to a car and a UK drivers license?
- Do you agree as part of the recruitment for a Enhanced DBS to be completed?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- working with children: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- QTS and/or lsa’s level 2 or 3 or HLTA (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
