Lead Caretaker

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Caretaker to join our fantastic team at Piper Hill High School.

This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, all year round with a starting salary of £29,064. (Grade
5)

Interviews will take place the week commencing 7th September 2026. The successful candidate will join us as soon as pre-employment checks are complete.

As Lead Caretaker, you will play a key role in ensuring our school site, buildings and specialist facilities are safe, secure, well‑maintained and welcoming. Working closely with the Site Manager/Operations Manager, you will help oversee the day-to-day management of the school site and provide effective leadership to the estates team.

• Supporting the day-to-day management and development of the school site, buildings and specialist facilities
• Acting as a keyholder and managing site security systems, including alarms, CCTV and surveillance systems
• Leading and supervising estates staff, including allocating work, monitoring performance and supporting staff development
• Ensuring the school site is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, presentation and safety, both inside and outside
• Supporting the delivery and monitoring of the school’s Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme
• Ensuring statutory and routine checks are completed and accurately recorded, including fire bells, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire doors
• Coordinating general maintenance and repairs, ensuring work is completed swiftly, safely and to the required standard
• Supporting the estates repairs and maintenance helpdesk and associated systems
• Managing and supervising external contractors, maintaining effective relationships and monitoring performance
• Overseeing grounds maintenance, including maintaining safe access to the site during periods of severe weather
• Supporting the maintenance and upkeep of specialist equipment and facilities across the school
• Supporting the management of cleaning provision and liaising with catering and other external service providers where required
• Supporting the school lettings process and working with external providers
• Ensuring an effective site service and supporting the set-up of furniture and equipment for school events, examinations, meetings and other activities
• Playing a lead role in maintaining high standards of health and safety, security and compliance across the site
• Supporting risk assessments and ensuring health and safety policies and procedures are followed
• Maintaining accurate records and information relating to buildings, facilities, maintenance and compliance
• Responding promptly to site emergencies and attending call-outs when required
• Working flexibly as part of an agreed shift pattern

We’re looking for a proactive, practical and experienced estates professional who takes pride in maintaining a safe, well‑managed school environment.

• Significant experience in a relevant discipline, ideally senior caretaking or site management experience within a school or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of health and safety and hygiene procedures, including an awareness of COSHH regulations
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and deliver maintenance programmes effectively
• Experience of managing staff, supporting their development and promoting a positive performance culture
• Experience of working with and supervising external contractors
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and use building/facilities management systems
• Experience of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management would be advantageous
• Experience of managing budgets and preparing costed plans for repairs and maintenance would be advantageous
• Good numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records
• The ability to undertake the physical aspects of the role safely
• Relevant Health & Safety training, such as First Aid, Fire Safety, Fire Evacuation or Legionella Awareness, would be advantageous
• A full valid driving licence, or willingness to obtain one, would be desirable
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with the…