Soft Services Facilities Manager

About the Client

Branta Recruitment is supporting a respected Further Education college in London in the appointment of an experienced Facilities Manager – Soft Services. The college operates across a diverse and busy estate and requires a professional who can deliver a safe, compliant, and customer‑focused environment for students, staff, and visitors.

The Role

The Facilities Manager will oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of soft services across the estate, ensuring buildings, grounds, and service contracts operate efficiently and to a high standard. The postholder will lead the facilities team, manage contractors, maintain statutory compliance, and contribute to the strategic development of the estate.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Management

Oversees the daily operation of buildings, grounds, and soft FM services.

Manages contracts for cleaning, security, catering, and grounds maintenance.

Monitors contractor KPIs and conducts regular performance meetings.

Maintains accurate records and supports the CAFM system.

Deputises for the Head of Estates when required.
Team Leadership

Leads and develops the premises and facilities team.

Manages recruitment, training, performance reviews, and rota planning.

Promotes a culture of professionalism, equality, and respect.
Health, Safety and Compliance

Ensures compliance with legislation, policies, and safeguarding requirements.

Acts as the key contact for audits, inspections, and emergency procedures.

Oversees fire safety, visitor management, and security systems.
Budget and Resource Management

Prepares, monitors, and controls the facilities budget.

Manages procurement and ensures cost‑effective use of resources.

Supports annual budget planning and issues invoices for facility users.
Operational Support

Supports events, room bookings, and space utilisation.

Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to meet operational needs.

Delivers high‑quality customer service across the organisation.
Strategic Planning

Contributes to estates strategy and improvement plans.

Prepares reports for senior leadership and governance bodies.

Keeps up to date with FM best practice and innovation.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Degree‑level education or equivalent experience.

IWFM/IFMA/BIFM membership.

IOSH Managing Safely (essential); NEBOSH (desirable).

Project management qualification (desirable).
Experience

Strong background in soft FM, security, cleaning, and estates operations.

Proven team leadership and contractor management experience.

Budget management and CAFM system experience.

Experience in education or public sector (desirable).
Skills and Attributes

Strong understanding of UK FM legislation and compliance.

Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills.

Professional, proactive, and customer‑focused.

Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities