Where Strategy Meets the Sea
Are you an operational expert who thrives on variety? Do you dream of a role where your ‘offices’ are surrounded by turquoise waters and a close-knit community?
The Isles of Scilly present a unique, rewarding environment for an experienced School Sites Operations Manager. We are looking for a dynamic individual to take the helm of our school estate, ensuring our facilities across five island bases remain safe, compliant, and ready to inspire the next generation of learners in this extraordinary setting.
About The Role: At a Glance
As our local lead, you won't just be managing buildings you will balance high-level strategic planning with a hands-on approach to ensure our school and residential properties are maintained to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
• Estates Mastery: Lead the day-to-day management of the school fabric, from mechanical systems to marine-exposed assets and play areas.
• Strategic Landlordship: Act as the Trust’s local representative for staff housing and leased properties—managing everything from tenancy agreements and condition reports to statutory safety checks.
• Health & Safety Management: Be our local champion for safety, ensuring rigorous risk assessments, fire safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
• Island Resilience: Navigate the unique challenges of island life by leading business continuity plans that account for weather, transport, and supply chain logistics.
• Resource Management: Oversight of budgets, contractor liaison, and procurement to ensure the Trust receives maximum value and quality service.
What You’ll Bring
Living and working on the Isles of Scilly requires a specific blend of skills. We are looking for:
• Adaptability: Someone who can move seamlessly from a budget meeting with the Headteacher to coordinating a visiting contractor arriving at the quay.
• Expertise: Solid experience in facilities management, statutory compliance (PPM), and health and safety.
• Leadership: The ability to manage local teams and build strong relationships with tenants and the wider community.
• Resilience: A problem-solver who can handle the ‘island factor’ - planning for the unexpected and keeping things moving regardless of wind, waves or tide.
The full job description and person specification for this role can be found attached below.
Living on the Islands
This role carries a special condition: you must reside on the Isles of Scilly (ideally St Mary’s) to be available for on-site presence and emergency response. In exchange, you get to live in one of the UK’s most beautiful locations, enjoying a natural environment and a sense of community that is hard to find anywhere else.
Note: This role involves flexible hours, including early mornings and occasional weekends, reflecting the vital nature of our estate’s operation.
Ready to make the move?
If you have the technical grit and the strategic mindset to lead our island operations, we want to hear from you.
Benefits of Working with Us:
As a leading Academy Trust, we are able to offer our staff a range of continued professional development opportunities alongside family friendly policies and access to the Local Government/Teachers Pension Schemes. More on our benefits can be found here.
How to Apply and Further Info:
To be considered for this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button above to submit your online application.
The closing date for receiving applications is Monday 4 May at 11.59pm
If you wish to discuss this position ahead of applying, please contact Rachel Lewin, Headteacher on rachellewin@fiveislands.org
First stage Interviews via Teams. Date TBC
Second Stage Interviews In Person.
Dates