About this role
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.
About the role: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.
You will be responsible for:
Supporting the day-to-day management and development of the school site, buildings and specialist facilitiesActing as a keyholder and managing site security systems, including alarms, CCTV and surveillance systemsLeading and supervising estates staff, including allocating work, monitoring performance and supporting staff developmentEnsuring the school site is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, presentation and safety, both inside and outsideSupporting the delivery and monitoring of the school’s Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmeEnsuring statutory and routine checks are completed and accurately recorded, including fire bells, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire doorsCoordinating general maintenance and repairs, ensuring work is completed swiftly, safely and to the required standardSupporting the estates repairs and maintenance helpdesk and associated systemsManaging and supervising external contractors, maintaining effective relationships and monitoring performanceOverseeing grounds maintenance, including maintaining safe access to the site during periods of severe weatherSupporting the maintenance and upkeep of specialist equipment and facilities across the schoolSupporting the management of cleaning provision and liaising with catering and other external service providers where requiredSupporting the school lettings process and working with external providersEnsuring an effective site service and supporting the set-up of furniture and equipment for school events, examinations, meetings and other activitiesPlaying a lead role in maintaining high standards of health and safety, security and compliance across the siteSupporting risk assessments and ensuring health and safety policies and procedures are followedMaintaining accurate records and information relating to buildings, facilities, maintenance and complianceResponding promptly to site emergencies and attending call-outs when requiredWorking flexibly as part of an agreed shift patternWho we’re looking for:
We’re looking for a proactive, practical and experienced estates professional who takes pride in maintaining a safe, well-managed school environment.
You will have:
Significant experience in a relevant discipline, ideally senior caretaking or site management experience within a school or similar environmentStrong knowledge of health and safety and hygiene procedures, including an awareness of COSHH regulationsExcellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and deliver maintenance programmes effectivelyExperience of managing staff, supporting their development and promoting a positive performance cultureExperience of working with and supervising external contractorsGood IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and use building/facilities management systemsExperience of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management would be advantageousExperience of managing budgets and preparing costed plans for repairs and maintenance would be advantageousGood numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to maintain accurate recordsThe ability to undertake the physical aspects of the role safelyRelevant Health & Safety training, such as First Aid, Fire Safety, Fire Evacuation or Legionella Awareness, would be advantageousA full valid driving licence, or willingness to obtain one, would be desirableA flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to prioritise effectively and work unsociable hours when requiredA collaborative approach and the ability to communicate with staff, students, parents, contractors and other stakeholders with tact and diplomacyMost importantly, we are looking for someone who is committed to maintaining high professional standards and who will contribute positively to the vision, values and continued improvement of our school and Trust.
To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.
How to Apply
Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews will take place in school week commencing 7th September.
All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.