Sherborne Schools Group is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and highly motivated Group Facilities Manager to lead and deliver exceptional operational services across our prestigious school sites.
This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the highest standards of service delivery across cleaning, grounds, gardens, waste management, porterage, event support, and our group-wide laundry hub. Working closely with the Director of Estates and other operational leaders, you will play a pivotal role in creating safe, welcoming, and impeccably maintained environments that support outstanding educational experiences.
As Group Facilities Manager, you will inspire and lead a diverse team of managers and operational staff, driving a culture of professionalism, pride, accountability, and continuous improvement. You will also manage external contractors, monitor service standards, oversee budgets, and ensure operational excellence across all Sherborne Schools Group locations.
DutiesSoft Services Leadership
- Lead and deliver high-quality facilities services across multiple sites.
- Oversee cleaning, grounds maintenance, gardening, waste management, porterage, and event support services.
- Ensure consistently high presentation standards across all locations.
- Manage the Group's laundry hub, including service quality, throughput, cost control, and performance monitoring.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary facilities team, including housekeeping, services, grounds, and gardens managers.
- Ensure effective staff deployment, rota planning, and service coverage.
- Foster a positive culture focused on service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Support recruitment, induction, training, and performance management.
Contractor Management
- Manage relationships with contracted service providers.
- Monitor contractor performance against service level agreements (SLAs).
- Ensure standards, compliance requirements, and performance expectations are consistently met.
- Develop strong working relationships with suppliers and contractor partners.
Customer Service and Event Support
- Build positive relationships with staff, pupils, visitors, and key stakeholders.
- Act as the primary contact for soft services matters across the Group.
- Support the planning and delivery of events, functions, and major school activities.
- Promote a customer-focused approach across all service areas.
Quality Assurance and Site Standards
- Carry out regular inspections across school sites.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and promptly address issues.
- Monitor service performance through KPIs and reporting mechanisms.
- Ensure facilities consistently meet the high standards expected of Sherborne Schools Group.
Budget and Contract Management
- Manage departmental budgets effectively, ensuring value for money and operational efficiency.
- Review contract performance and identify opportunities for service enhancements or savings.
- Assist in preparing business cases for contract changes and service developments.
General Responsibilities
- Undertake additional duties as reasonably required by the Director of Estates.
- Support operational activities across all Sherborne Schools Group sites when needed.
- Contribute positively to the wider life of the Group.
- Promote and uphold the values, vision, and ethos of Sherborne Schools Group at all times.
- Qualifications and ExperienceEssential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
Desirable
- BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science) qualification or equivalent.
- IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management) qualification at Level 3 or above.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- Manual Handling and COSHH training.
- Leadership or management qualification.
- Event management or event safety training.
- Experience working within an educational, hospitality, or multi-site environment.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of facilities and soft services operations.
- Knowledge of cleaning, grounds maintenance, waste management, porterage, and event support services.
- Understanding of COSHH, manual handling, risk assessment, and safe working practices.
- Awareness of sustainability initiatives and environmental best practice.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and site security within educational settings.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to analyse performance data and implement improvements.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence.
- Experience managing facilities, soft services, or operational teams in a complex environment.
- Evidence of continued professional development in facilities management, leadership, or operational services.
- Health and Safety qualification or training (such as IOSH Working Safely or IOSH Managing Safely).
- Experience of leading and motivating teams.
- Strong organisational and people management skills.
- Experience managing contractors and service providers.
- Budget management experience.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Pay: £46,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
