Regional Estates Operations Manager
About this role
Regional Estates Operations Manager (Estates & Operations)
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing
Client: Lift Schools (North Region)
Base Location: Lift Firth Park, Fircroft Avenue, Sheffield, S5 0SD (Hybrid: 3 days office-based/regional travel, 2 days remote)
Position Type: Permanent | Full-Time (37 Hours/Week)
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Salary: £48,708.00 – £50,643.00 per annum + Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) & Lift Schools Benefits
Key Dates: Closing Date: 7 October 2026 | Interviews: Thursday, 22 October 2026
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing is seeking an experienced, proactive, and leadership-minded Regional Estates Operations Manager to oversee estates and facilities operations across the North region for our client, Lift Schools.
Based at Lift Firth Park in Sheffield and traveling across regional schools, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring educational buildings and learning spaces are safe, compliant, welcoming, cost-efficient, and fit for the future. Leading a team of Area Site Managers, you will oversee compliance, manage regional maintenance budgets, deliver capital projects, and troubleshoot operational challenges with a practical, calm, and solutions-focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, support, coach, and line-manage Area Site Managers across the North region.
Compliance & Asset Management: Oversee statutory estates compliance, routine maintenance, health & safety audits, and longer-term asset management plans.
Capital Projects & Budgeting: Contribute to capital project execution, manage regional estates operational budgets, and maximize value for money across contractor and supplier contracts.
Stakeholder Relationships: Build trusted, collaborative partnerships with school principals, internal leadership, contractors, and local suppliers.
Incident & Change Management: Respond calmly and effectively to emergency estates issues, changing operational priorities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What We Are Looking For
Essential Requirements:
Proven operational experience in estates, facilities management, premises, or a related operational environment.
Strong understanding of health and safety regulations, statutory compliance, and budget management.
Demonstrated leadership ability with experience supporting, managing, and developing staff.
GCSEs in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
Valid UK driving licence (required for regional site travel).
Desirable & Transferable Attributes:
Education sector experience is not required—transferable facilities management experience from commercial, public, or industrial sectors is highly welcomed!
Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH or NEBOSH) is beneficial but not essential.
About the Network
Lift Schools Network: A national trust of 62 primary, secondary, and special schools educating more than 35,000 pupils across England.
Benefits & Support: Joining Lift Schools offers enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday allowance, structured career development, healthcare/wellbeing programs, and lifestyle/gym discounts.