Facilities Manager

The School

At Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, we proudly extend the distinguished legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated academic institutions. Founded on centuries of tradition and intellectual rigour, our branch schools uphold an uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, character formation, and cultural enrichment.

Our vision is to cultivate dynamic, world-class learning environments where the next generation of confident, able, and responsible young people are shaped. We challenge our students to think independently, lead with purpose, and embrace a global perspective, all within a community that values tradition, discipline, and innovation. By blending the timeless values of our founding school with the opportunities of a rapidly evolving world, we ignite curiosity, inspire ambition, and prepare our students to make meaningful contributions to society, as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly competent and detail-oriented Facility Manager to ensure the safe, efficient, and immaculate operation of the school's buildings, grounds, and physical infrastructure. This is a key operational role responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance, and safety compliance of all facilities, ensuring that the school environment consistently reflects the highest international standards. You will play a vital part in delivering a clean, secure, and well-functioning campus that supports exceptional teaching, learning, and community life.

The Role

Job Title: Facility Manager

Reporting to: Head of Operations

1. Facilities and Maintenance Management

• Oversee the maintenance and repair of the school's buildings, equipment, and grounds, ensuring facilities are in excellent working condition at all times.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as school assets.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of in-house maintenance staff and external contractors, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Regularly inspect the school premises to identify issues and ensure that health and safety standards are met.
• Maintain an inventory of maintenance supplies and equipment, ensuring timely procurement and cost-effective management of resources.

1. Health, Safety, and Security

• Ensure the school complies with all local health, safety, and environmental regulations, including fire safety and emergency response protocols.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and safety audits of the premises, addressing any identified issues promptly.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of security systems, including CCTV, access controls, and visitor management systems.
• Lead on emergency preparedness, including fire drills, evacuation plans, and first-response readiness.

1. Vendor and Contractor Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers for cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, and other outsourced services.
• Ensure all contractors adhere to school policies, including safeguarding and safety requirements.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to ensure high-quality services are delivered within budget.

1. Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Prepare and manage the facilities department's annual budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value for money.
• Monitor expenses related to maintenance, utilities, and services, and provide regular financial reports to the Head of Operations.

1. Operational Support

• Support the planning and execution of school events, ensuring facilities and equipment are available and set up appropriately.
• Oversee transportation services, including managing the school bus fleet and coordinating with transportation providers.
• Monitor utilities (electricity, water, and gas usage) to ensure efficient consumption and cost control.

The Person

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualifications: Diploma in Facility Management, Engineering, or a related field (Bachelor's Degree highly desirable).
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or IWFM.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in facilities management, preferably in a school or educational environment.
• Track record: Proven experience managing budgets, contractors, and maintenance teams.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and oversee a diverse team.
• Technical knowledge: In-depth knowledge of facility systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and security systems.
• Compliance: Familiarity with local health and safety regulations and compliance standards, including local Municipality requirements.

Desirable

• Knowledge of sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

Safeguarding Statement

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City is an equal opportunities employer and is deeply committed to safeguarding our students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing. We expect all staff and members of our community to share this commitment and to promptly report any concerns about a student’s or community member’s safety or wellbeing. In accordance with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all applicants must be willing to undergo rigorous child protection screening, including checks with past employers and providing police clearance certificates from all countries that the applicant has resided in. The full Safer Recruitment Policy can be viewed on our website.