Senior Facilities Manager – Manchester City Centre

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and accomplished Senior Facilities Management professional to become an integral member of our Manchester team. This is a unique opportunity to assume responsibility for The Tootal Buildings, in the vibrant and exciting neighbourhood of Manchester’s Oxford Road. You will play a pivotal role in managing this landmark property, ensuring its reputation for excellence is upheld and developed.

We pride ourselves on providing a brilliant service so time management, the ability to work under pressure, self-motivate and prioritise are an absolute must. We are offering a real opportunity to grow within a company with a reputation of promoting and growing talent, working with an impressive client base.

Acting as a visible ambassador for the company’s values, consistently demonstrating them in behaviour, decision-making, and leadership. Champion a culture where our values are embedded in everyday activities, actively promoting and reinforcing them across teams. Align actions and initiatives with the wider company strategy, helping translate strategic goals into practical outcomes while inspiring others to do the same.

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 lead from the front. You will:

• Have experience managing multi-occupier, complex properties, ideally within a managing agent environment.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of delivering excellent service while managing budgets and contractors.
• Be confident, self-motivated, and able to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritising effectively under pressure.

We pride ourselves on fostering talent, offering career growth, and working with a prestigious client

base. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on responsibility, enjoys variety, and wants to leave

their mark on a high-profile property.

Personal Specification

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Excellent knowledge of Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation (IOSH essential; NEBOSH desirable)
• Proven experience managing multi-occupier, complex properties
• Strong 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: IWFM Membership, IOSH - Essential, NEBOSH

Technical Skills and Knowledge

A Senior Facilities Manager should understand the operation, maintenance, and lifecycle

management of:

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

Health, Safety and Compliance

Understanding of

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

Senior FMs should understand statutory inspection and maintenance requirements 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 Senior FM should be capable of managing technical service providers and understanding:

• 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
• Carbon reduction strategies
• Net Zero programmes
• 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
• CAPEX planning
• OPEX management
• Lifecycle costing
• Business case preparation
• Procurement
• Contract negotiation
• Benchmarking

Leadership and Strategic Skills

At senior level, technical expertise alone is insufficient.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic planning
• Team leadership
• Vendor management
• Executive stakeholder engagement
• Influencing skills
• Negotiation
• Performance management
• Succession planning

Why Join Us?

• Work on a landmark London property with a focus on sustainability and occupier experience
• Opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role
• 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 4 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: 25 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.