Head of Facilities Management

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Head of Facilities Management

DEPARTMENT: Planning and Property

REPORTS TO: Corporate Property Management & Health & Safety

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Operational FM Delivery, Matrix Management of Contractors and Staff

DURATION: 6 months

WORKING ARRANGEMENT: Onsite

LOCATION: London Local Authority

Interviews to take place ASAP.

This is a high-profile, hands-on leadership opportunity within a London local authority. As Head of Facilities Management, you will take charge of the operational delivery of the council’s facilities management services, driving high standards across Hard and Soft FM services, statutory compliance, repairs, and refurbishment projects.

You’ll lead a multi-disciplinary team and matrix-manage contractors, ensuring services across the council estate run safely, efficiently, and effectively. This role combines office-based strategic work with regular on-site inspections of facilities and engagement with staff, councillors, and the public.

This is a challenging and rewarding role for a proactive, results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering tangible improvements in service quality and compliance.

• Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, including cleaning, security, post and courier services, porterage, space planning, office moves, and contractor management.
• Ensure FM budgets are managed rigorously, with robust monitoring, reporting, and corrective actions where needed.
• Develop zero-based budgets and lifecycle procurement strategies to deliver efficient Soft and Hard Services.
• Maintain statutory compliance across all facilities, including Health & Safety, fire safety, water hygiene, lifts, and electrical systems.
• Plan, manage, and oversee maintenance and refurbishment projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget and to specification.
• Conduct surveys and assessments of council facilities to identify refurbishment or replacement needs.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures for Hard and Soft Services, embedding continuous improvement and performance measurement.
• Play a key role in planning and implementing the council’s new Civic Campus and estate management strategy.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on FM strategy, compliance, and risk management.
• Participate in emergency response as required, providing strategic input to ensure continuity of essential services.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary FM teams in a complex, fast-paced organisation.
• Extensive experience across Hard and Soft Services, statutory compliance, and facilities operations.
• Strong financial management and reporting skills, including budget planning, monitoring, and cost control.
• Expertise in contract specification, procurement, negotiation, and lifecycle management.
• Ability to lead change, implement process improvements, and drive a culture of high performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all levels, including senior leadership and elected officials.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach.

• HNC/Graduate-level qualification in Mechanical or Electrical (M&E) discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Associate/ I.Eng membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIBSE, IMechE, IEE).
• Operational M&E experience preferred, ideally from a time-served apprenticeship or equivalent background.
• Track record of managing large, complex FM operations, including both in-house staff and contractors.
• Experience delivering service transformation, efficiency savings, and continuous improvement in facilities management.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact within a London local authority, leading a critical service that affects staff, visitors, and the wider community. You will play a central role in shaping and delivering high-quality facilities management, ensuring safe, compliant, and…