Head of Estates & Operations

Summary

Walhampton School is seeking to appoint an experienced and strategic Head of Estates and Operations to lead the development, maintenance and operational management of our 100-acre site on the edge of the New Forest.

Detail

Walhampton School is seeking to appoint an experienced and strategic Head of Estates and Operations to lead the development, maintenance and operational management of our 100-acre site on the edge of the New Forest.

This is a key leadership role within the School, responsible for delivering the Estates strategy and ensuring that our buildings, grounds and facilities support the highest standards of education, safety and operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee a large and diverse operational team, including Estates, Grounds, Catering, Facilities, Security and IT, ensuring that the School runs efficiently, safely and effectively for pupils, staff and visitors.

About the role

Working closely with the Head, Finance Director and Governors, the Head of Estates and Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the School’s estate, facilities and operational services.

The role involves overseeing maintenance and development of the buildings and grounds, ensuring full compliance with health and safety and fire safety legislation, and managing a range of operational teams across the School.

The postholder will also support the commercial use of the estate, oversee major capital projects, and ensure that events across the busy school calendar are delivered safely and efficiently. They will work collaboratively with colleagues across the School and report regularly to the Finance and Estates Committee of the Governing Body.

What You Will Do

• Lead the implementation and development of the School’s estates strategy.
• Manage the Estates, Grounds, Catering, Facilities, Security and IT teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Oversee the maintenance, safety and development of the School’s buildings, grounds and infrastructure to a high standard.
• Act as the School’s Health and Safety Coordinator and Fire Officer, ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
• Lead health and safety processes including risk assessments, compliance monitoring, staff training and record keeping.
• Manage operational and capital budgets in collaboration with the Finance Director.
• Plan and oversee estate development projects from refurbishment works to major capital improvements.
• Ensure all statutory compliance checks are completed and accurately recorded.
• Oversee contractor management and ensure safeguarding and safety procedures are followed.
• Support the commercial development of the estate including lettings, events and income generating opportunities..
• Ensure the School’s operational infrastructure supports high quality teaching, learning and administration.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure school events and commercial activities are well planned and delivered.
• Lead business continuity and critical incident planning to ensure the School is well prepared for any operational challenges.
• Support the School’s ambition to reduce environmental impact and move towards carbon neutrality.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced operations or estates leader who is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a thriving school community.

You will be a confident and collaborative leader with the ability to manage multiple operational areas and develop strong relationships across the School. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with practical problem-solving and a strong commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Essential:

• Proven experience in estates or operations management.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes and supplier relationships.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• High levels of personal drive, initiative and professionalism.

Desirable:

• A recognised qualification in estates management, facilities management or health and safety.
• Experience working in an educational environment.
• Experience leading estate development or capital projects.
• Why Walhampton?
• A supportive and inspiring team in a beautiful setting on the edge of the New Forest.
• Professional development opportunities to grow in your career.
• Competitive salary and staff benefits, including:
• Free lunch during term time.
• Free tea and coffee.
• Healthcare cashback plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• 24-hour GP access.
• Free onsite parking.

Apply Today!

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 27th April, with interviews scheduled to take place week commencing 4th May 2026.

It is our preference for candidates to apply by completing our online application form, which can be accessed by clicking 'Apply Now.' If you prefer to apply offline, an alternative application form is available by emailing hr@walhampton.com.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy once the position is filled. No agencies please.

Walhampton is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for 370 boys and girls aged 2–13. The school lies in beautiful ancient woodland on the southern edge of the New Forest near Lymington in Hampshire.

Further information about Walhampton is available at www.walhampton.com.

Walhampton School is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK. It is a criminal offence for an individual to apply for a role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of modern Britain. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

Documents

• Head of Estates and Operations Job Description PDF Document