Premises Manager

Job summary

Knellwood Care Home is seeking an experienced and dedicated Premises Manager to oversee the maintenance and safety of our buildings and grounds. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining a secure, clean, and safe environment for all residents, staff, and visitors at Knellwood. As an award-winning care home, we provide excellent residential, respite, and nursing care to up to 52 residents in a historic Victorian country house setting, with additional modern wings. The Premises Manager will ensure that all aspects of the property are properly maintained, fully compliant with safety regulations, and meet the high standards of care that Knellwood is known for.

General Duties:

· Ensure your presence on-site during working hours unless duties are required elsewhere.

· Collaborate with the General Manager, in-house teams, and external contractors to implement a coordinated approach to the home’s service and site management.

· Line manage in-house and external contractors responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

Security Responsibilities:

· Take proactive steps to minimise loss or damage to property and staff.

· Oversee fire prevention systems and ensure fire safety compliance.

· Maintain secure key management practices.

· Report incidents of misconduct or improper behaviour to the General Manager.

· Keep accurate inventories of equipment and furniture for inclusion in the asset maintenance register.

Maintenance & Health & Safety:

· Carry out first-line repairs and maintenance across various areas, including plumbing, redecoration, plastering, fencing, and glazing.

· Regularly check health and safety aspects of buildings, grounds, and equipment, ensuring fire safety regulations are adhered to.

· Oversee preventative maintenance to address potential hazards before they arise.

· Ensure minor repairs are carried out and report major defects to the General Manager.

· Organise and manage statutory maintenance checks, ensuring all records and certificates are up to date (gas safety, boiler servicing, fire alarms, medical equipment servicing, etc.).

Administration & Finance:

· Create and manage a site action plan, detailing projects, costs, and timelines.

· Monitor and manage the premises and grounds budgets, ensuring all expenditure is within approved limits.

· Obtain quotations/tenders for building works and ensure contracts are signed by the General Manager.

· Check and ensure satisfactory completion of all building work, and liaise with the General Manager for payment processing in the first instance.

Heating, Ventilation & Plant Management:

· Monitor supplies of fuel and water, ensuring accurate readings for gas, electric, and water meters.

· Arrange statutory checks in house and with approved contractors.

· Check fire alarm systems and other alarms weekly and test emergency lighting systems.

Additional Duties:

· Support the IT Manager to ensure the efficient and reliable functioning of IT equipment.

· Oversee deliveries of stock and supplies, ensuring proper storage.

· Organise and manage internal and external painting and decorating projects.

· Ensure the safe disposal and management of waste, including recycling processes.

Grounds Maintenance:

· Oversee the maintenance of the grounds.

Desirable Qualifications:

· A recognised health and safety qualification (e.g., IOSH).

· Qualification in Premises Management, or a relevant Degree/NVQ Level 4.

· Experience in premises management within the care sector.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

· A good level of literacy and numeracy (equivalent to Level 2 passes in GCSE English and Mathematics or above).

· A clean, valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

· Experience in general maintenance, plumbing, electrical/building maintenance, heating systems, or grounds work.

· Experience in managing contractors and building projects.

· Knowledge of health and safety regulations and ability to complete risk assessments and checks.

Key Skills & Personal Qualities:

· Strong organisational, administrative, and IT skills (including Word and Excel).

· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

· Ability to manage a small team and work independently.

· Ability to work flexibly and manage competing priorities.

· Proactive and adaptable with a commitment to professional development.

· Strong problem-solving skills and a customer-focused approach.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and residents.

· Commitment to the security and well-being of the care home.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Knellwood Care Home is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and will consider any reasonable adjustments required to support individuals in fulfilling the role.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, including relevant experience and qualifications. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and interviews will be scheduled accordingly.