Job Description
Abingdon School is looking for an Estates Manager to join the team.
Location: Abingdon School, OX14 1DE
Job Type: Full-time position working 40 hours per week all year round
Working Hours: 08.00 to 17.00
Salary: £45,040 to £49,791 per annum
Closing date: 10 November 2025 (midday)
About Us:
The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys' school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.
Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.
Estates Manager - The Role:
The Abingdon Foundation is looking to appoint an ambitious and experienced individual to
be its Estates Manager. Reporting to the Director of Estates, the post holder will take on
the management of the Abingdon maintenance team. The Estates Manager will oversee the
day-to-day maintenance and statutory compliance requirements as well as playing an
active role in the exciting capital programme of developments across all of the Abingdon
Foundation.
Estates Manager - Responsibilities:
- Motivating and developing the School's Estate Team to the highest standards in order to meet the reactive and planned Estates requirements of the School
- The Estates Manager will be required to operate a high-quality and effective maintenance system
- Take ownership of the estate-wide Health & Safety requirements across the Abingdon Foundation
- Ensure purchasing of all materials, services and assistance in carrying out the Estates duties are achieving best value for the Foundation
- Manage the school's minor capital project programme and perform an advisory role on major capital projects
- Manage stock control, ordering and controlling costs
- Manage and assist contractors, including contractor inductions and adherence to child protection policy
Estates Manager - You
- Experience in managing facilities and premises
- A Professional qualification in surveying, construction - CIOB, Chartered Institute of Building or CIBSE Charter Institute of Building Service Engineers with at least 5 years experience at a senior management level
- Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and ability to work through periods of pressure
- Knowledge and experience of using CAD software and Microsoft office products
- Experience of working with building management systems, security software and facilities management software would be advantageous
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure
- Good verbal communication skills
Estates Manager - Benefits:
- You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays
- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private healthcare insurance
- We may be able to offer flexible working from home
- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
- Free lunches during term time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Christmas closure days
- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
- There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
- We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
- We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses
We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.
Candidates are advised that a cover letter outlining their motivation for the role must be uploaded in order to complete the application process. The cover letter should be addressed to Martin McKenna, Director of Estates.
Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Closing date: 10 November 2025 (midday)
Interviews: 19 November 2025
To submit your CV and cover letter for this Estates Manager opportunity, click 'Apply' now!
