Facilities Manager

The opportunity

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Facilities Manager to join the Office Services team in our Dubai office.

The role holder will be expected to oversee all facilities operations across our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices ensuring a safe, efficient and well‑managed workplace environment.

Bird & Bird opens a world of possible for lawyers and professionals everywhere. Working for a leading international law firm like Bird & Bird means working alongside people who are truly collegiate in the way they work with everyone. We work as one global team, with over 70% of work involving people from across the firm. And that’s only increasing! It is this common purpose and shared approach that make it a more productive and collaborative place to work.

Your firm. Your future.

You will be joining our Office Services team in the UAE, working collaboratively with various teams across both offices.

Our 34 international offices have their own professionals providing local expertise and support. Collaborative across the network, the team is focused on driving efficiency, adding value, and profitable growth.

The main duties and responsibilities for the role are as follows:

• Manage all facilities to ensure they are serviced and maintained properly including appointing and managing third party service providers for office cleaning and maintenance.
• Ensure FOH and BOH office environments are well maintained, functioning efficiently and a safe and suitable standard of operation is provided for our business including, but not limited to, client experience at reception area and meeting rooms, employee experience in pantry, shared and social spaces.
• Manage office refurbishments, expansions, relocations and review existing office layouts for efficiency of office space.
• Coordinate, communicate with and maintain relationships with all Office Services and facilities related professional advisors in the UAE including consultants, project managers, surveyors and general suppliers as and when required.
• Ensure health and safety procedures are in place for the UAE offices including any relevant training and guidance required on a regular or periodic basis, in addition to carrying out periodic health and safety audits and liaisons with the government and/or relevant local authorities.
• Liaise with office related management bodies and building management for parking and other services related to use of building facilities.
• Maintain and periodically review furniture and physical assets log, arrange replacements and disposals.
• Implement Office Services related procedures to support the day-to-day efficient functioning of the UAE offices.
• Monitor, analyze and improve office operating systems, policies and procedures for compliance and efficiency such as Office Services related budgets, records management, recycling, supplies and equipment.
• Lead and manage the UAE Office Services team ensuring optimal resource allocation and utilization.
• Ensure and enhance the Office Services team members’ performance, and professional development through ongoing support, training, and mentorship.
• Ensure all communication through office phone lines, emails and couriers is carried out efficiently as per the desired standard required from the Office Services team and periodically review communication procedures for efficiency.
• Periodically meet with Head of Country to report on the performance and operational priorities of the UAE Offices including facilities management, team development, regional operations, and any concerns related to health, safety, or office facilities.
• Oversee office transportation function for UAE including service efficiency and safety levels, third party vehicle services and driver overtime.
• Manage office travel and accommodation arrangements, including assisting with the implementation of any emergency policies related to travel, arranging business travel flights, transport and hotel accommodation for domestic and international travel and obtaining a range of corporate hotel rates in the UAE.
• Manage the CLPD process as per the regulations of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department including arranging…