Building Supervisor (With Supervision)

Role overview

This position is based in a school setting and combines supervision, cleaning, security, porterage, basic maintenance, and administrative support. The post-holder works under the direction of the line manager or another authorised person and follows Education Authority procedures at all times. The role also includes oversight of the Assistant Building Supervisor and/or cleaning staff where applicable.

Key responsibilities

The job covers the safe and secure running of the premises, day-to-day cleaning standards, support for mechanical and electrical services, movement of deliveries and materials, record keeping, and hands-on minor maintenance tasks within the post-holder’s competence. The building supervisor may also be required to respond to out-of-hours call-outs and act as a key holder.

Security and site control

• Protect the building, grounds, and contents, including any school meals accommodation.
• Unlock and secure the premises and grounds each day unless another authorised person is directed to do so.
• Check that windows, doors, and gates are secured at the end of each day.
• Keep custody of site keys, issue keys to cleaning staff where required, and ensure they are returned at the end of the working day.
• Monitor CCTV and manage tapes or recordings where relevant.
• Operate fire, intruder, and wider security systems, and report faults promptly.
• Attend after-hours break-ins or vandalism, secure the site, and ensure any damage or unauthorised access is reported.
• Report suspicious activity immediately during normal hours to maintain a safe environment.
• Report security breaches, including needles or suspected illegal substance misuse, in line with policy.
• Apply grit or rock salt during frost or snowfall to keep paths and entrances safe.

Mechanical and electrical duties

• Run the heating and boiler systems efficiently, with attention to energy use and value for money.
• Manage lighting, heating, and routine plant maintenance, including shared school meals areas where applicable.
• Arrange fuel replenishment in good time.
• Track and record usage of fuel, water, and electricity.
• Replace lamps, tubes, and plugs up to 3.35m using suitable equipment, unless access can be gained from above.
• Inspect firefighting equipment and report defects.
• Treat, clean, and maintain water levels in swimming or hydrotherapy pools where applicable.

Cleaning duties

• Carry out cleaning across the premises, excluding areas used solely for school meals.
• Organise and oversee cleaning staff where relevant, while also personally undertaking cleaning work.
• Plan periodic cleaning tasks with service users and report plans to the line manager or authorised person.
• Suggest and carry out approved improvements to methods to increase efficiency, quality, or ease of operation.
• Check the suitability and condition of materials and light equipment and raise concerns where they are not fit for purpose.
• Keep hard surfaces, paths, and ornamental grounds clean and free from litter.
• Ensure external drains, gullies, and kitchen grease traps remain clear and clean, including removal of blockages up to 3.35m.
• Wash and clean bins throughout the complex, including school meals bins.
• Empty litter bins daily.
• Maintain an ongoing cleaning response for spills, flooding, midday toilet cleaning, litter, and weather-related issues.
• Restock toilet rolls, soap, paper towels, and similar supplies during the working day.
• Inspect sandpits daily and clear any fouled areas.
• Clean and refill sandpits and paddling pools when instructed.
• Clean external signs, light covers, and notices up to 3.35m.
• Clean non-electrical fittings on portable heating and ventilation equipment.
• Maintain stock levels of cleaning materials and light equipment within budget and ensure items are stored and used properly.
• Report defects in cleaning equipment immediately.
• Prepare the premises for after-school activities and restore it for normal school use afterwards.
• Clean internal fixed glass surfaces up to 3.35m using the correct equipment and safe methods.
• Ensure cleaning staff use provided protective clothing and workwear.
• Maintain standards to Education Authority expectations and, where needed, investigate complaints and take corrective action.

Porterage duties

• Receive, move, and distribute deliveries, stores, materials, school meals supplies, and school milk items.
• Dispatch laundry, goods, and other outgoing materials.
• Where food and educational use overlap, assist with setting out and clearing tables and chairs and clean the room afterwards.
• Move refuse bins to and from collection points.
• Set up rooms for examinations and other activities.

Administration and reporting

• Prepare reports on cleaning and on internal or external defects in the premises.
• Arrange outside contractors or workmen, when authorised, using the Education Authority reporting system and monitor their attendance and activity.
• Complete job-related paperwork and written reports when required.
• Keep records of stock and equipment inventories.
• Report faults in electrical floor equipment immediately, keep repair records, and ensure equipment is cleaned and stored safely.
• Maintain attendance, holiday, and absence records for staff and return them on time.

Handyperson and general conditions

• Carry out handyperson tasks within the scope and competence of the post-holder.
• Follow all duties in line with health and safety legislation, statutory requirements, COSHH regulations, and relevant codes of practice.
• Accept training required to support duties at and up to the grade of the post.

Person specification and application requirements

Applicants must explain clearly on the application form how they meet the required criteria under each question. Failure to give sufficient detail may lead to exclusion from shortlisting. Criteria must be evidenced by the closing date unless stated otherwise. Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria from Section 1, and the panel may also apply desirable criteria if the number of applications is too large. Candidates should therefore address any desirable criteria that they meet as well.

Essential criteria

Applicants should show either at least two years of recent, demonstrable paid experience as an assistant building supervisor, building supervisor, caretaker, maintenance worker, or cleaner in a formal setting, or hold a recognised trade qualification such as plumbing, joinery, electrical, or an equivalent qualification. Experience supervising staff is also required. Candidates must also be prepared, as key holders, to respond at short notice, including outside normal hours.

Interview requirements

At interview, candidates should be able to show knowledge of the building supervisor role, health and safety requirements, manual handling rules, and the use of security systems. They should also demonstrate people management skills, teamwork, strong communication, good planning and decision-making, and evidence that their approach reflects the school’s values and ethos.

Desirable criteria

Preference may be given where applicants have a NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work qualification, experience using industrial cleaning equipment, and experience acting as a key holder, including opening and closing premises and setting alarm systems.

Disclosure and compliance

Because the post may involve regulated activity, an enhanced criminal background disclosure will be required if you are recommended for appointment. The cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate must be paid by the applicant, and payment instructions will be issued at the pre-employment stage.

Additional information

The employer is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applicant guidance notes and information on staff benefits are available through the recruitment materials referenced in the source.