Head of Estates and Operations

at  Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School (BMS) is an outstanding HMC independent co-educational day school for students aged 7-18. Our community is a friendly, happy and supportive one and all of the 350 staff members, spanning both teaching and non-teaching roles, help to make BMS a very special place to work.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to oversee and enhance the performance of our school estates and site operations. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), the Head of Estates and Operations will provide strategic oversight, high-quality planning, leadership, management and effective communication to ensure our facilities and support services operate at the highest standards.
This role involves developing collaboration across support teams, ensuring the successful and efficient day-to-day operation of the School’s operational and support services, whilst maintaining the morale and motivation of all staff. The post holder will liaise closely with the Head of Finance on financial management, provide strong operational leadership, and ensure the operational management, security, safety, and sustainability of the school buildings and estate 24/7.
Key responsibilities include supporting the development of the site Master Plan, overseeing routine maintenance and development across the 40-acre school estate, and managing planning, design, and building consultants for capital developments when required. The role also involves responsibility for Health & Safety leadership of the operations team, ensuring compliance with ISI and other relevant standards or legislation.
We are looking for a candidate with proven successful leadership experience in a senior position, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and experience in estates management, including building maintenance and new building projects. Strong organisational skills, financial management experience, and thorough knowledge of property-related statutory compliance legislation and Health and Safety procedures are essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, be proactive and flexible, and have a commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of children and young people.
For further information regarding this role or an informal discussion please contact the Director of Finance and Operations, Matthew Horn – directorofoperations@bedmod.co.uk
The post will be 40 hours per week, all year round, the post holder will be expected to work such hours as may be reasonably required of them or as may be necessary for the proper and efficient performance of their duties. The post holder may also occasionally be required to work on a Saturday to meet the needs of the School.
In return, we can offer a friendly and supportive working environment, CPD opportunities available through our membership of the Harpur Trust, the option to be part of a private healthcare scheme, a generous pension scheme, free lunches (in term time) and free parking.

Please refer the Job description for details