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St John’s Preparatory School seeks to appoint an Estates Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the school’s campus, facilities, grounds, infrastructure, and maintenance operations.
This is an important role responsible for ensuring that the school’s environment remains safe, attractive, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. The successful candidate will lead the estates team, coordinate maintenance and improvement projects, oversee utilities and operational services, and contribute to the ongoing development of the campus.
This is an important role responsible for ensuring that the school’s environment remains safe, attractive, well-maintained, and fit for purpose. The successful candidate will lead the estates team, coordinate maintenance and improvement projects, oversee utilities and operational services, and contribute to the ongoing development of the campus.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Facilities Management
- Closing Date: 2026-06-30
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all aspects of the school’s campus, facilities, grounds, infrastructure, and maintenance operations.
- Ensure that the school’s environment remains safe, attractive, well-maintained, and fit for purpose.
- Lead the estates team.
- Coordinate maintenance and improvement projects.
- Oversee utilities and operational services.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the campus.
Requirements
- Proven practical experience in facilities, estates, maintenance, construction, property, operations, or a related field.
- Appropriate qualifications and/or a strong record of practical competence and leadership.
- The ability to lead teams, manage projects, and coordinate contractors effectively.
- Sound organisational, administrative, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience within an educational environment will be an advantage.
- As part of the St John’s Educational Trust, the role requires a highly collaborative approach. The successful candidate must be able to work collegially with staff across the Preparatory School, College, and wider Trust structures, contributing positively to shared initiatives and operational excellence across the organisation.
How to Apply
Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and references which are to be submitted to: [email protected]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About the Company
St. John's Preparatory School is an independent, preparatory day school for boys aged 5 to 12 in Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe. The school is owned and governed by the St. John's Educational Trust, as is St. John's College.
Website: https://www.stjohns.co.zw/the-prep/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for an Estates Manager role in Zimbabwe, especially within an educational institution?
A degree or diploma in Facilities Management, Property Management, or a related engineering field is often preferred. Significant practical experience in facilities maintenance, project management, and team supervision is also crucial for this role.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for an Estates Manager at a preparatory school in Zimbabwe?
You would typically oversee the maintenance of school buildings and grounds, manage service contracts, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This also includes supervising maintenance staff, planning repairs, and managing budgets for infrastructure projects effectively.
What is the typical work culture and expectation for an Estates Manager in a Zimbabwean school environment?
Expect a hands-on approach, often involving proactive problem-solving and adaptability to resource constraints characteristic of the Zimbabwean context. Building strong relationships with suppliers, staff, and school leadership is key to success.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for an Estates Manager in Zimbabwe?
Experience gained in this role can lead to senior facilities management positions within larger educational institutions or corporate environments. You might also explore opportunities in property development, project management, or consulting roles.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can one expect as an Estates Manager in Zimbabwe?
Standard benefits generally include annual leave, sick leave, and contributions towards a medical aid scheme. Some employers may also offer a pension plan or a housing allowance, depending on the institution and contractual terms.
How should I apply for an Estates Manager position in Zimbabwe, and what do employers typically look for?
Submit a comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter highlighting your relevant facilities management experience, leadership skills, and project successes. Employers value demonstrated problem-solving abilities, budget management capabilities, and a proven track record in asset maintenance.