Facilities & IT Manager

We are looking for an experienced Facilities & IT Manager to lead the management of our nursery environments, IT infrastructure, and project delivery across a growing multi-site portfolio. You will ensure our settings are safe, compliant, digitally connected, and fit for purpose, while building scalable systems and supplier frameworks to support future growth and integration of new acquisitions. Regular travel is an essential requirement to ensure strong on-site presence, relationship management and effective delivery across Chalk’s multi-site portfolio., Facilities Management:

· Ensure statutory compliance that meets all legal and statutory requirements (health and safety, building regulations, fire safety, water hygiene, electrical, gas, asbestos, security).

· Maintain compliance calendar, asset register, and risk assessments.

· Manage day-to-day maintenance, reactive repairs, and PPM schedules.

· Develop preferred supplier frameworks and monitor performance.

Landlord & Leaseholder Management:

· Act as the primary operational contact for landlords, leaseholders, managing agents, and property stakeholders across the estate.

· Manage day-to-day landlord relationships, ensuring timely communication around repairs, compliance responsibilities, access arrangements, and capital works.

· Oversee lease-related obligations relevant to facilities, repairs, dilapidations, and shared responsibilities, escalating risks or constraints appropriately.

· Support resolution of property-related disputes or issues in a pragmatic, commercially aware manner.

Maintenance & Operations:

· Coordinating and planning essential services such as security, cleaning, maintenance, waste disposal, and utilities infrastructure

· Develop a Property Maintenance Strategy to find the best value solution to keep the Groups assets in a good state of repair, maintaining high brand standards and reducing ongoing maintenance costs year on year.

Risk Management:

· Managing the property compliance risk register, highlighting concerns, and implementing actions to mitigate risks.

Strategic Planning & Reporting:

· Analysing data, producing reports for senior management, contributing to strategic planning, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and cost efficiency.

· Work closely with the Chief Finance Officer to support lease negotiations, landlord discussions, and property-related commercial agreements, providing technical, facilities, and compliance input as required.

· Contribute operational insight, cost data, and risk assessments to inform negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, and variation discussions, where applicable.

· Assist in evaluating financial and operational implications of property decisions, ensuring alignment with Chalk’s growth strategy and risk appetite.

Emergency Response:

· Responding to urgent issues or emergencies as they arise

Project Management:

· Plan and deliver small-to-medium capital works, refurbishments, and fit-outs aligned to Chalk’s design standards.

· Manage contractors, budgets, timelines, and quality assurance for projects.

· Ensure minimal disruption to nursery operations during works.

Property Due Diligence Pre-Acquisition:

· Arrange for property condition surveys and conduct compliance gap analysis for potential acquisitions.

· Prepare costed remediation plans and advise on risks and integration requirements.

Integration Post-Acquisition:

· Lead onboarding of new sites into Chalk systems, supplier frameworks, and compliance standards.

· Ensure timely closure of compliance gaps and smooth operational transition.

IT infrastructure management

· Oversee the performance, security, and reliability of Chalk’s IT infrastructure, working closely with Activ8 to ensure systems, networks, and hardware are proactively maintained and aligned with business needs.

· Act as the primary internal liaison with Activ8, coordinating support requests, monitoring service levels, and ensuring timely resolution of incidents while maintaining strong communication between Chalk and the outsourced IT team.

· Lead IT planning and improvement initiatives, collaborating with Activ8 to scope, prioritise, and deliver infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and technology lifecycle management.

Do you have a valid Driving License license?, Do you have experience in Maintenance?, Proven experience in multi-site Facilities Management, IT oversight, and project delivery.

• Strong knowledge of UK health & safety legislation and statutory compliance.

• Understanding of IT infrastructure, supplier management, and GDPR compliance. - Skilled in managing refurbishment projects and integrating new acquisitions.

-Comfortable working with senior stakeholders, landlords, external advisors, and executive leadership, including supporting commercial decision-making.

-Full UK driving licence and a willingness and ability to travel frequently between nursery sites, including occasional overnight stays, as required by operational and project demands., IOSH Managing Safely (essential); NEBOSH General Certificate (preferred).

• IWFM Level 4/5 or equivalent desirable.

• ITIL Foundation or similar (desirable).

• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 or equivalent) desirable.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly

Safeguarding: Chalk Nursery Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to Enhanced DBS check, reference and qualification checks, and agreement to adhere to Chalk’s safeguarding policies.