At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of soft services in schools, managing teams and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Equans is a global leader in energy services, committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, gym discounts, and employee networks.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team making a real impact in education and community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS Enhanced check and offers opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Equans is looking for a Soft Services Operations Manager to join our team in Birmingham on a permanent basis. This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. On offer is a competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
The Soft Services Operations Manager will play a critical part in the Operational Team, the post holder will manage the overall soft service delivery of the schools including cleaning, caretaker, housekeeping, portering and managed service contracts. The post holder will take full control & responsibility for the performance of the soft service provision on all sites. The post holder will need to have strong leadership skills and be able to chair meetings & use innovative ideas to overcome issues.
What will you deliver?
- Manage and support Facilities Supervisors and Caretakers in the operational management and delivery of the Contract requirements and services delivery. Ensuring that both budget and specification are brought in on target
- To deliver the agreed to the standard required
- Ensure controls are in place to monitor the management and delivery of the services provided
- To regularly review such controls with the Facilities Supervisors and Caretakers
- Provide guidance to the site teams in delivering the SLA\’s in a timely manner and in accordance to the Facilities Management Agreement and Project Agreement
- To take responsibility for the co-ordination of all soft services, making sure the FM services are meeting the contract requirements
- Ensuring compliance of all Health & Safety Legislation and issues relating to the Contract(s) and compliance with all internal and external audit processes
- Ensuring positive interface with the client(s) on all site matters
- To liaise and work closely with the support functions and specialists in co-ordinating and assisting in their input into the Contract(s)
- Communicating relevant policy and procedures to Facilities Supervisors and Caretakers & site teams to ensure implementation and adherence to them
- Create, implement and manage effective documentation including; procedures, forms, risk assessments, auditing schedules and checklists with the addition of training and records keeping
- Manage all aspects of soft services including operational performance, reporting, auditing, budget / time sheet management, recruitment, and communications in line with contract / corporate requirements
- Management of rota\’s, non-attendance, return to work interviews and disciplinary procedure
- Develop training documentation and workshops and ensure all staff receive appropriate training and development
- Ensure that performance issues are managed in a prompt and effective manner, and that staff are given recognition where deserved
- To play an active role in the contract management team in developing and supporting improvement in line with the contract requirements
- Conducting Team Meetings to agreed frequencies and attend all necessary Contractual Meetings required by the Account Manager
- Assist with the production of monthly reports, reviewing management accounts & contract expenditure, producing all necessary documentation to ensure contractual compliance
What can we offer you?
On offer is a competitive salary, bonus and benefits package, which includes;
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are we looking for?
- Previous PFI experience is preferred
- Previous experience working in FM, preferably in education is preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- An effective communicator both written & oral
- Planning of work roster using computer aided systems is essential
- To plan, prioritise and allocate work
- Self-disciplined and able to work on own initiative
- Experience working in a Supervisory or Management role
- IOSH Managing Safely is desirable
- BICSc Qualification is desirable
- The ability to deal with HR issues
This role includes a DBS Enhanced check therefore ability to pass is essential.
Who are we?
Equans is a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros.
In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables.
Equans\’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live.
Equans is a Bouygues group company.
What\’s next?
If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.
As part our commitment to better reflect the markets within which we operate, we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.
At Equans we\’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone\’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you\’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you\’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work.
You\’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a re-location package with this job role. Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements.
The Equans Resourcing Team supports this job advert. Agency involvement is not required. All related enquiries must come to the resourcing team not direct to Equans Managers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Soft Services Operations Manager employer: Equans
Contact Detail:
Equans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Soft Services Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific soft services that Equans manages, particularly in educational settings. Understanding the nuances of cleaning, caretaking, and housekeeping within schools will give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used innovative ideas to solve operational challenges, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Equans' commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive workplace, as they value diverse perspectives and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your knowledge of health and safety legislation relevant to facilities management. Being able to articulate how you ensure compliance and manage risks will be crucial in the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Soft Services Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in facilities management, particularly in soft services. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed teams or projects similar to those described in the job listing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage soft service delivery effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications like IOSH Managing Safely or BICSc, make sure to mention them prominently. These certifications are desirable for the role and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with teams, clients, or stakeholders in previous positions. This could be through leading meetings or managing client relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Equans
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Soft Services Operations Manager, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, chairing meetings, and how you’ve successfully led projects or initiatives. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of FM and PFI
Familiarise yourself with Facilities Management (FM) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) concepts, especially in an educational context. Be ready to explain how your background aligns with these areas and how you can apply your knowledge to meet the contract requirements effectively.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of Health & Safety legislation in this role, expect questions about compliance and audit processes. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure adherence to these standards in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this position. Prepare to provide examples of how you've communicated policies and procedures to teams, resolved conflicts, or liaised with clients. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain positive relationships and ensure smooth operations.