Background
Kisharon School, a Free School with a Jewish Ethos, serves a diverse student body aged 4 to 19 years with complex needs, including a broad range of learning difficulties, ASC, and physical and sensory disabilities. The school is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can become as independent as possible. Kisharon School sought a Site and Facilities Manager who could ensure that their Parson Street site, a newly completed facility, would be maintained to the highest standards, ensuring safety, security, and smooth operations from the moment of handover.
The Challenge
Kisharon School required a Site and Facilities Manager who not only had extensive experience in facilities management but also could handle the complexity of transitioning a newly built site into full operational use. The ideal candidate needed to possess a wide range of skills, including:
• Experience in Planned and Reactive Maintenance: The ability to manage and oversee all aspects of site maintenance, both preventive and emergency, ensuring that the premises remained in optimal condition.
• Health and Safety Expertise: A strong understanding of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, asbestos management, and fire safety, with the ability to implement and maintain rigorous safety protocols.
• Contract Management: Experience in negotiating and managing contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with external contractors.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in general maintenance tasks, knowledge of building systems, and the ability to assess and carry out minor repairs.
• Leadership and Crisis Management: The ability to take ownership of tasks, manage crises, and work both independently and in collaboration with external contractors.
Given these extensive requirements, the search for the right candidate was highly specific and complex.
Our team approached this challenge with a strategic and tailored recruitment process, leveraging our deep network of facilities management professionals. Key steps in our process included:
1. Understanding the Client's Needs: We conducted in-depth consultations with the Headteacher and Trustee Body at Kisharon School to fully understand the scope of the role, the school's values, and the specific requirements for managing the new Parson Street site.
2. Targeted Search: We focused our search on candidates with a proven track record in managing facilities within educational environments, particularly those with experience in overseeing new site handovers.
3. Rigorous Screening: Candidates were thoroughly vetted to ensure they met the technical requirements and had the necessary experience in health and safety compliance, contract management, and maintenance.
4. Selection and Placement: After presenting a shortlist of highly qualified candidates, Kisharon School selected a Site and Facilities Manager who exceeded their expectations in both technical expertise and alignment with the school's ethos.
The Outcome
The successful candidate quickly integrated into their role at Kisharon School, taking full responsibility for the site handover and ensuring the Parson Street site was ready for occupancy. They demonstrated a proactive approach, effectively managing the transition while implementing and maintaining rigorous health and safety standards. Their ability to manage both planned and reactive maintenance, negotiate with contractors, and oversee daily operations ensured that the school’s environment remained safe, secure, and conducive to learning.