Buildings & Contracts Manager

The Role

Appointment of Buildings & Contracts Manager

The Academy’s estate comprises a mix of period and contemporary buildings, including the grade A listed Playfair Building, Georgian townhouses, extensive landscaped grounds, and both natural and synthetic playing fields. There are also some exciting capital projects in the pipeline, such as the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA) building.

For more information about the Academy, please visit the website: www.dollaracademy.org.uk

Reporting to the Head of Estates, the Buildings & Contracts Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the school’s buildings, equipment, and plant. 

The successful candidate will:

• Oversee and manage budgets for maintenance work in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Finance.
• Direct the Maintenance and Facilities teams to ensure the effective delivery of services including supervision of the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Ensure compliance with statutory health and safety regulations, including fire safety, asbestos management, and legionella control.
• Coordinate both major and minor works including managing tender processes, and liaising with architects, contractors, and external consultants.
• Ensure that the campus operates effectively and safely on a day-to-day basis (annual maintenance routines, heating and air conditioning, access systems, PAT testing, energy conservation measures, contract tendering and the letting of the buildings to external bodies).
• Provide strategic input into the Academy’s long-term Estates development plan.

Please see the job description for full details.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A degree, HND, or relevant professional qualification in facilities management, construction, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in a similar role, including project management and contractor oversight.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and procurement processes.
• A comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation, building codes, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional supervisory and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and build strong professional relationships.
• Flexibility to respond to urgent or emergency situations outside standard working hours.
• An agile mind and can-do approach are essential in support of the school’s ambitious goals and development plan. 

Renumeration

This post is full time, all year round and permanent, with a competitive remuneration package which includes a generous holiday entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, reduction on school fees, personal accident and life insurance cover, and free access to facilities, including the pool and gym, Cycle to Work, EAP and retailer discount scheme.

Appointment Process

Application forms are mandatory for all candidates. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 31^st January 2025.

All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.

About Dollar Academy

Dollar Academy has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818.  Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to around 1,350 pupils aged 5-18.  Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self-confidence and strong personal values.  A belief in developing the whole person is central to the Dollar ethos.

We have recently been named as the Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year 2024. 

The Academy is very much at the heart of the town – it is a major local employer and values highly its relationship with the wider community.  The school itself is a friendly, supportive, hardworking and committed community of staff and pupils who enjoy cordial, professional and productive working relationships.

The school’s location is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the country, set against the Ochil Hills and the historic Castle Campbell, but within easy reach of the major towns of the Central Belt and just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The Dollar community is welcoming and vibrant. The whole school sits within a single, stunning 70-acre campus.

Our Values

Work Hard
Hard work leads to success, creativity and innovation. Our pupils and staff demonstrate a strong work ethic, with ambition and excellence being encouraged.  We want everyone to strive to be the best they can.

Get Involved 
There is a very wide range of subjects and activities on offer at Dollar and teachers work hard to make lessons interesting.  Involvement and participation in all aspects of school and community life build confidence and resilience, whilst also allowing our youngsters to try new things and develop their passion.

Be Kind 
‘Kindness’ is no trite playground buzzword; it demands an even higher level of behavioural engagement than tolerance or respect. We believe in a positive and generous approach, in collaboration and cooperation, and in leadership that is about compassion and service.