Estates Maintenance Operative

We are seeking to recruit an Estates Maintenance Operative. The Maintenance Operative will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep, repair, and compliance of the school buildings, facilities, and grounds. Working within the Estates/Facilities team, the postholder will ensure that the school provides a safe, secure, and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

General Maintenance Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out minor repairs across the foundation (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, heating, ventilation, A/C, locks, etc.)
• Perform minor repairs to furniture, doors, windows, fixtures, and fittings
• Maintain plumbing systems (toilets, sinks, water fountains) and address leaks or blockages
• Operate basic hand and power tools safely
• Support preventive maintenance schedules for equipment and machinery
• Respond promptly to repair requests or emergencies
• Ensure the school environment is safe, clean, and be conducive to always learning
• Monitor stock and order supplies, tools, and materials as required
• Report larger or specialist issues to the maintenance manager and liaise with external contractors when needed
• Adhere to safeguarding policies when working in areas accessible to pupils
• Work flexibly to support school events, term breaks, and emergency situations
• Contribute to sustainability goals (energy efficiency, recycling, water conservation)
• Uphold the school’s values and present a professional, approachable attitude to staff, students, and parents
• Ensure safety standards and building codes are followed
• Follow health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Contribute to keeping the facility clean, safe, and operational
• Assist with pest control measures if needed.

Compliance & Health and Safety

• Undertake regular compliance checks including fire alarm testing, emergency lighting, water hygiene (legionella testing), and playground equipment inspections
• Monitor and maintain accurate records of statutory checks, in line with school and legislative requirements
• Ensure all tasks are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation and risk assessments (including COSHH, Working at Height, and Manual Handling)

Personal Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking with a positive attitude
• Good DIY and practical skills across a range of trades
• Awareness of health & safety in a workplace/school environment
• Ability to work flexibly, independently, and as part of a team
• Physically fit to meet the demands of the role (lifting, carrying, manual work)
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
• Adaptability of changing tasks, with reactive and planned maintenance
• Ability to work in a team environment

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience in a similar school or facilities/estates role
• Full UK driving licence
• Relevant trade or health & safety training (e.g. first aid, manual handling, plumbing, carpentry, decoration, etc)

Why choose The Mill Hill Education Group?

Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable collection of independent schools. Its aims of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world.

• Educates boys and girls from 3–18, seeking to equip them for life, both now and in the future.
• Our stimulating academic environment and numerous activities outside the classroom encourage learning and personal growth.
• We are committed to the development of every pupil and believe that our friendly and supportive community helps this to happen.
• We seek as a group to instil a love for learning which will last a life time whilst balancing this with a readiness to embrace change.

For further information, please contact James Freeman,Estates Manager at [email protected] or you can click on the attachment to view the candidate information pack.

Closing Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025.

The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. As part of our Recruitment Checks, the appointed candidate will be subject to a Enhanced DBS and Social Media Check.