Facilities Manager - Manchester (Maternity Cover)

Reports to: Associate Director – Facilities Management

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive Facilities Manager to join our Manchester team and manage the day-to-day operation of four client sites in Manchester City Centre. You will help maintain a safe, well-managed and welcoming property, delivering excellent service to occupiers and supporting its reputation for quality.

We pride ourselves on providing a brilliant service. You will need strong time-management skills, the ability to prioritise under pressure and a hands-on approach to resolving issues. This role offers opportunities to develop within a company that supports talent and works with an impressive client base.

Act as a visible ambassador for the company’s values, demonstrating them in your behaviour, decision-making and day-to-day management. Promote these values across the on-site team and service providers and support the delivery of company objectives through practical improvements to building operations.

At Ashdown Phillips, we celebrate diversity, embracing individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and be themselves. We believe that by bringing together unique perspectives, we create dynamic, forward-thinking teams.

What We’re Looking For

We need a proactive, hands-on professional who can coordinate building operations and service delivery. You will:

• Have experience managing multi-occupier properties, ideally within a managing agent environment.
• Demonstrate experience delivering excellent service while managing budgets, contractors and day-to-day building operations.
• Be confident, self-motivated and able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment.

We support professional development and offer the opportunity to work with a prestigious client base. This role suits someone who enjoys practical responsibility, varied work and delivering a positive occupier experience.

Personal Specification

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Good working knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation (IOSH essential; NEBOSH desirable)
• Experience managing multi-occupier properties and coordinating building services
• Budget, service charge and contractor management skills
• Problem-solving ability and resource optimisation skills
• Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, able to respond effectively under pressure
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexibility in approach and working patterns
• IT literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Qualifications and professional membership: IWFM membership; IOSH essential; NEBOSH desirable

Technical Skills and Knowledge

A Facilities Manager should have a practical understanding of the operation and maintenance of the following systems, including lifecycle requirements:

• Mechanical Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Water Systems
• Building Fabric

Health, Safety and Compliance

Working knowledge of the following legislation and its application to building operations:

Key Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• CDM Regulations 2015
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
• Equality Act 2010

Compliance Responsibilities

• Fire safety management
• Risk assessments
• Permit-to-work systems
• Contractor management
• Accident investigation
• Emergency planning
• Audits and inspections

Technical Compliance Knowledge

A Facilities Manager should understand and coordinate statutory inspections and maintenance relating to:

Fire Safety

• Fire alarms
• Emergency lighting
• Fire doors
• Sprinkler systems
• Evacuation procedures

Water Hygiene

• ACOP L8
• Legionella control
• Water testing regimes

Lifting Equipment

• LOLER inspections
• Passenger lifts
• Goods lifts

Electrical Safety

• EICR testing
• Fixed wire inspections
• PAT testing governance

Pressure Systems

• PSSR compliance
• Written schemes of examination

Hard Services Management

A Facilities Manager should be able to manage technical service providers, monitor service delivery and coordinate:

• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
• Reactive maintenance
• Asset lifecycle management
• CAFM systems
• Reliability-centred maintenance
• Critical environment management
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Soft Services Expertise

• Cleaning services
• Security operations
• Reception and concierge services
• Waste management
• Grounds maintenance
  

Sustainability and Net Zero

• Energy efficiency
• Supporting carbon reduction strategies
• Contributing to Net Zero programmes
• Supporting ESG reporting
• Sustainability frameworks
• BREEAM
• NABERS UK
• ISO 14001

Skills

• Utility management
• Carbon footprint reduction
• Waste reduction initiatives
• Green building operations

Service Charge Budget Management

• Budget development and control
• Supporting CAPEX planning
• OPEX management
• Lifecycle costing
• Supporting business case preparation
• Procurement
• Contract negotiation
• Benchmarking

Leadership and Operational Skills

You will coordinate the on-site team and service providers, maintain effective stakeholder relationships and support improvements to building operations.

Leadership Competencies

• Operational planning and prioritisation
• Day-to-day team coordination and leadership
• Vendor management
• Client and occupier engagement
• Influencing skills
• Negotiation
• Monitoring team and contractor service delivery
• Supporting team development and service continuity

Why Join Us?

• Work across a property portfolio in Manchester, with a focus on sustainability and occupier experience
• Opportunity to develop your facilities management career and progress into more senior roles
• Collaborate with a team that values innovation, service excellence, and professional development
• Engage with a prestigious client base and high-profile occupiers

Competitive Package

Growth and Development - We offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development including sponsorship for professional qualifications.

Financial: Employer Pension contribution 3%, life assurance at 2 x basic salary, group income protection (long term disability insurance), interest free season ticket loan, bonus scheme, financial and mortgage advice through AP rewards.

Health & Leisure: 23 days annual leave + public holidays and 3 additional wellbeing days, wellbeing support, mental health support, 2 volunteering days per year, cycle to work scheme, eye care voucher, AP Rewards offering 100’s of discounts for everyday needs. Employee Assistance Programme, Help@Hand, a collaborative company culture and social events.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.