Business Unit Head – Hard Facilities Management (Education Sector)
Salary - £90-110k + benefits
Service and Maintenance - London, City of London
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Reporting to: Operations Director / Managing Director
Purpose of the Role
The Business Unit Head will spearhead the strategic and operational leadership of Hard FM services across a portfolio of education sector contracts. This role focuses on delivering excellent building maintenance, compliance, and lifecycle services to ensure facilities operate efficiently and safely, in line with educational standards and contractual obligations.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of Hard FM services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building fabric maintenance
- Lead a team of technical and operational professionals, ensuring optimal workforce performance and development
- Ensure compliance with statutory and contractual obligations (e.g. SFG20, HTM, and DfE guidelines)
- Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs and SLAs for multiple educational institutions
- Manage financial performance: budget control, forecasting, cost-saving initiatives
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the main point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on safety, sustainability, and service quality
- Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programs and reactive works delivery
- Lead on mobilisation and transition of new contracts when applicable
Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership experience in FM, preferably in the education sector
- Technical qualifications in engineering or building services (e.g. HNC/HND, NVQ Level 4+, or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of health & safety regulations, compliance standards, and asset lifecycle management
- Excellent financial acumen and contract management skills
- Strategic thinker with ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities
- Familiarity with CAFM systems and industry best practices
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Facilities Management, Engineering, or a related field
- IOSH / NEBOSH certification (preferred)
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. BIFM, CIBSE)
What Success Looks Like
- Efficient, compliant, and sustainable operations across all sites
- High levels of client satisfaction and contract retention
- Empowered and high-performing teams
- Continuous innovation and process improvement
