UKB National Facilities Manager in Sunderland

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. With around 35,000 colleagues delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year, we connect people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably. With strong roots dating back to 1938 and an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, Arriva is focused on building a strong and sustainable future.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic National UK Bus Facilities Manager to lead and shape facilities management across our UK Bus estate. This is a national leadership role with responsibility for ensuring our operational, engineering, depot, and office facilities are safe, compliant, efficient, and fit for purpose. Acting as the client-side owner of the Facilities Management function, you will provide strategic direction, governance, and leadership across a complex, multi-site estate. Working closely with senior operational leaders and key stakeholders, you will ensure facilities management services support operational performance, regulatory compliance, colleague wellbeing, customer experience, and long‑term business objectives.

This role will be on a hybrid working basis, a minimum of 3 days per week in the Doxford office, with the remainder focused on where you can best deliver for your colleagues while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the review of existing FM contract arrangements, identifying opportunities to improve operational performance, commercial value, compliance, and governance.
• Support the design and implementation of the future FM operating model, including outsourced, hybrid, and in‑house delivery solutions.
• Develop service specifications, scopes of work, KPIs, governance frameworks, reporting requirements, and mobilisation plans for FM contracts.
• Partner with Procurement to manage tender processes, supplier selection, contract award, mobilisation, implementation, and ongoing performance management.
• Act as the client-side owner of national FM contracts, ensuring services are delivered effectively and deliver value for the business.

Operational Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build strong partnerships with depot management teams, engineering functions, operational leaders, and Responsible Persons across the estate.
• Ensure FM processes and service delivery arrangements support safe and efficient operations across all locations.
• Provide governance and assurance that works instructed through FM providers are delivered safely, compliantly, and to agreed service levels.
• Monitor service provider performance, stakeholder feedback, audit findings, and operational trends to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the resolution of service, compliance, and performance issues where standards fall below expectation.

Compliance & Specialist Service Contracts

• Develop, procure, and manage national property compliance contracts and specialist service providers, including: Asbestos Management, Fire Risk Assessments, Water Hygiene, Gutter Cleaning, Specialist Property Services.
• Ensure consistency, governance, reporting, and value for money across all compliance programmes.
• Work closely with the Property Project Coordinator to implement scalable processes, contractor governance frameworks, compliance monitoring, and reporting structures.
• Drive standardisation and identify opportunities to improve compliance visibility and operational efficiency across the estate.

Financial & Budget Management

• Manage national FM operating budgets and supplier expenditure.
• Support maintenance investment planning, lifecycle management, and prioritisation of remedial works.
• Ensure robust financial controls, forecasting, approval processes, and value-for-money decision making.
• Balance operational priorities, compliance obligations, risk management, and commercial considerations when allocating resources and expenditure.

Compliance Governance

• Lead the governance and assurance of statutory and regulatory property compliance across the UK estate.
• Provide clear visibility of compliance performance, risk exposure, contractor effectiveness, and remedial activity.
• Oversee audits, investigations, corrective actions, and compliance reporting to ensure legal obligations are met and risks are effectively managed.
• Lead, develop, and inspire the Facilities and Office Services teams.
• Create a high-performing, customer-focused culture that delivers consistent workplace standards and excellent service across the estate.
• Coach and develop team members, promoting continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.

About You

You will be an accomplished facilities management professional with experience leading national FM operations across a complex, multi-site estate. You’ll combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands‑on approach and have the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

• Experience leading outsourced FM contracts and managing national supplier relationships.
• Strong knowledge of UK statutory property compliance and facilities management requirements.
• Experience developing and managing national compliance and maintenance programmes.
• Proven track record in supplier procurement, tender management, and contract governance.
• Experience managing operational budgets, supplier spend, and financial planning.
• Experience using CAFM systems and compliance reporting platforms.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Qualifications

• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification preferred. Equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.

Skills & Attributes

We’re looking for someone who can bring:

• Strong leadership capability with experience managing, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Excellent programme, governance, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across a national estate.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.
• Commercial acumen and financial awareness, with experience managing budgets, procurement activity, and supplier spend.
• Expertise in contract management, supplier performance, and continuous improvement.
• Strong technical knowledge of Facilities Management, statutory compliance, property maintenance, and hard FM services.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge underperformance and drive operational improvements.
• The ability to operate with autonomy whilst collaborating effectively as part of a wider Property function.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead and shape the future of Facilities Management across a significant national estate. You’ll play a critical role in driving compliance, operational excellence, and service transformation while working closely with senior leaders to deliver a safe, sustainable, and high-performing property portfolio.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15 July 2026. Arriva reserves the right to close this vacancy early.