Facilities Manager

Makini Schools, one of Kenya's most respected private school groups, is looking for a seasoned and results-driven Facilities Manager to take full ownership of the operational and physical environment across its campuses. This is a senior leadership role that demands a hands-on professional who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced, people-centred educational setting.

Reporting to senior school leadership, the Facilities Manager will ensure that all buildings, grounds, utilities, infrastructure, and support services are maintained to the highest standards — creating a safe, compliant, and conducive learning environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors. The role carries significant responsibility across regulatory compliance, contractor management, risk mitigation, and resource optimisation.

• Lead and oversee the management, maintenance, and operational efficiency of all campus facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and buildings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor preventative maintenance programmes and statutory inspection schedules across all campuses.
• Manage outsourced service providers and contractors, including security, cleaning, landscaping, catering, waste management, and general maintenance firms.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements including OSHA 2007, WIBA, the Public Health Act, Fire Safety Regulations, Environmental Management standards, and building compliance codes.
• Oversee business licensing requirements and coordinate all regulatory audits and inspections.
• Drive cost control, budget management, and resource optimisation across facilities operations.
• Lead and manage diverse internal facilities teams, including technical and non-technical staff, fostering accountability and service excellence.
• Conduct regular site inspections, assess facilities conditions, and monitor contractor performance and deliverables.
• Implement risk management frameworks and emergency response procedures relevant to school operations.
• Prepare and present detailed facilities reports to senior leadership, covering compliance status, maintenance schedules, contractor performance, and capital expenditure planning.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, child protection, and safety across all facilities activities.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the quality and efficiency of the school's physical environment.

• Must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a related discipline from a recognised university.
• Must have completed OSHA, Fire Safety, and First Aid training certifications.
• Must demonstrate at least 5 years of progressive experience managing facilities operations, preferably in an educational, hospitality, or large institutional setting.
• Must be able to apply working knowledge of Kenyan legislation including OSHA 2007, WIBA, and Fire Safety Regulations to real operational scenarios.
• Must be capable of managing multiple outsourced service contracts simultaneously, including negotiating SLAs, monitoring KPIs, and resolving performance issues.
• Must demonstrate strong analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills sufficient for senior leadership engagement.
• Must be able to lead cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and maintain high service delivery standards under pressure.
• Must exercise professional integrity, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive operational, financial, and HR-related matters.
• Must be physically capable of conducting regular campus-wide site inspections and contractor supervision.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field will be considered a significant advantage.

Makini Schools has indicated the salary for this position is open and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on the seniority and scope of this role in the Kenyan private education market, candidates with the right background can expect a competitive package in the range of KES 150,000 – 280,000 per month. Additional benefits typical of institutional roles at this level may apply.

This role is ideal for a senior facilities or operations professional who has managed large, multi-building campuses or institutional environments and is comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level. You should have a genuine passion for creating safe, well-maintained environments, and a deep understanding of Kenyan compliance requirements. Candidates with experience in the education, hospitality, or government institutional sectors are especially encouraged to apply.

Please do not apply if you have fewer than 5 years of relevant facilities management experience, lack the required OSHA/Fire/First Aid certifications, or are seeking a purely desk-based administrative role. This position requires regular physical site presence and active contractor engagement.

• Prepare an updated CV and a cover letter clearly outlining your facilities management experience and relevant qualifications.
• Ensure your OSHA, Fire Safety, and First Aid certificates are ready to share upon request.
• Submit your application through the Makini Schools official careers portal or the job board where this listing was found.
• Applications should be submitted before the closing date of 31st July 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.