ABOUT THE ROLE

The post will initially be based at Great Park Academy however the post could be based at any school within the Gosforth Group. Great Park Academy will be moving from its temporary location to its new permanent building from September 2025.

As Facility Manager you will be required to take responsibility for facility operations at one or more of our Academies within the Gosforth Group. You will be a key part of the Estates and Facilities team working across the group in collaboration with the Academies senior leadership teams and central corporate service teams. 

Your focus, as Facility Manager will be to maintain a safe and secure school whilst providing an environment conducive to learning. You will manage the operational arrangements of the Academy as well as managing the community use of its facilities. 

Your main areas of responsibility will be: 

• Responsive and planned maintenance arrangements providing supervision of contractors ensuring that they fulfil the works requirements in a safe way.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory and best-practice health and safety requirements.
• To maintain accurate records, information and data following the transition to online systems.
• To take responsibility for school security including the management of access control and CCTV operations.
• To ensure that the school premises are cleaned to the approved specification.
• To monitor compliance with the schools’ meals contract.
• To monitor compliance with other contracts and to respond to any requirements of PFI/BSF arrangements.
• To manage energy consumption and to promote improved environmental sustainability measures.
• To manage the lettings arrangements.
• To manage the estates and facilities staff based at a particular academy thereby leading the service at that Academy.
• To manage an allocated budget.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate will have experience of the operation of building heating, ventilation and plumbing systems. An accredited Health and Safety qualification is desirable, however substantial demonstratable experience of operating within a heightened health and safety environment is essential, as is a willingness to undergo training to achieve a health and safety qualification if a qualification is not held. 

In addition, the successful candidate will have experience of supervising staff and schemes of work, along with a calm and methodical approach to resolving issues is essential in this role.

Having a knowledge of cleaning practices, the security of buildings and being able to undertake DIY tasks is desirable, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and reporting systems would be beneficial. 

The ability to interact and converse with individuals at all levels is essential to this role, as well as a commitment to the safeguarding of young people, which is non-negotiable.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A competitive salary 
• Generous annual leave 
• Benefits including; excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking
• An opportunity to work with highly-skilled professionals 
• Enthusiastic and motivated students 
• An exciting and extensive commitment to professional development 
• A school with its community at heart 
• An exciting programme of staff well-being activities 
• Wider career development opportunities to be involved across the Gosforth Group

If you would like to discuss this vacancy further, please contact Gary Livsey, Deputy Director Estates and Facilities, gary.livsey@gosforthgroup.org.uk.  

If you are unable to complete the online application form and require this in another format please contact us by email: recruitment@gosforthgroup.org.uk or telephone: 0191 285 1000.

Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date. 

Following the shortlisting process, where applicable, candidates who attend interview will be reimbursed reasonable expenses for travel and accommodation. 

The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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