Location
London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are seeking a Regional Estates Manager to oversee the Premises Teams in primary academies within the Harris Federation. Reporting to the Estates Manager, you will ensure that each academy team maintains the upkeep, care, maintenance, health and safety, and facilities management of their academy. You will also provide cover for site managers during absences, supporting with opening and locking up academies.

The role involves leadership and management of premises staff including recruitment, performance management, and training. You will schedule and supervise premises work, ensure compliance with Federation software (EVERY), and manage building maintenance activities. This includes supervising premises staff and external contractors to maximize value for money and productivity, overseeing repairs, refurbishments, and technical support to teaching staff.

You will regularly inspect the internal and external fabric of buildings, liaise with Health and Safety and senior leadership on security and safety matters, and manage community use and bookings of premises. Ensuring high standards of security, health and safety, and maintenance are key responsibilities.

The role offers the opportunity to contribute personally to repairs and maintenance, manage large building projects, service level agreements, and events, while supporting a network of academies dedicated to educational excellence.

About Us
The Harris Federation is a leading education charity operating 52 primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. Founded in 1990, we educate around 38,000 young people with a core mission to close the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. We have a strong track record of rapid school improvement and are renowned for running outstanding academies. Our central team provides dedicated support across finance, HR, data, estates management, talent, and more, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Professional Development & Benefits
We invest in our staff through coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of high-quality training programmes. Benefits include a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, a Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan with virtual GP access, an electric car scheme, 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (2 days from home, 3 days onsite at East Croydon or academy visits). We promote a supportive and inclusive working environment focused on career development and wellbeing.

Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Employment offers are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and where applicable, prohibition checks.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer valuing diversity and inclusion. We strive to provide a fair, equitable, and supportive learning and working environment that reflects the communities we serve.

Experience
- Considerable general maintenance experience
- Experience managing a team of premises staff
- Experience working in an inner-city school or educational establishment
- Experience managing premises budgets and obtaining best value for money
- Experience dealing with external contractors
- Experience managing large building projects and a variety of events
- Experience managing service level agreements ensuring good value for money

About you
- Strong leadership and people management skills including recruitment, performance management, and training
- Ability to schedule, prioritise, and supervise premises work effectively
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Commitment to high standards of health, safety, security, and safeguarding
- Ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff and senior leadership teams
- Proactive, reliable, and able to contribute personally to maintenance tasks when required

Qualifications
- Relevant degree or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and requirements with relevant training
- Sound training or experience in one or more of the following: plumbing, general and ground maintenance, electrical/building maintenance, heating systems
- Knowledge of operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating systems and common malfunctions
- Knowledge of maintenance and security systems and procedures
- Knowledge of procurement procedures for service level agreements
- Understanding of appropriate cleaning methods and standards