Building Manager in Birmingham

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.

Responsibilities

Beorma Tower and associated buildings is a new development situated in Digbeth within Birmingham City region. The development consists of mixed use, residential, office and retail spread over 29 floors. The Building Manager is to take overall ownership and responsibility for the management and delivery of facilities services at Beorma Tower, specifically H&S, technical services, soft services, building fabric, service charges, occupier fit outs and various projects. Own, develop, and continuously review the facilities services strategy to ensure Beorma Tower is leading the way in all aspects of delivery and working at a best in practice environment second to none. The residential element of the scheme is to be managed by a third party; however the front of house offering is managed by Avison Young. The Building Manager will be responsible for the external envelope of the residential development and the supply of M&E services and soft services, if applicable. The role will initially have involvement in identifying and bring to the attention of the development team any initial building issues and/or concerns which are to be addressed via the warranty process.

Client Lead

The Building Manager is expected to be the clients advisor of choice on all things Facilities, surrounding themselves with a pool of experts and developing a network to advise on the best practice and latest innovation in the industry. Have readily available key information and statistics to provide information on delivery of service and analysis to demonstrate continuous improvement and the highest level of delivery standards. Being able to demonstrate response times to service request, benefits of improvement in a quantifiable manner be that financial, environmental or image enhancement.

Estates Duties

• Ensure all services necessary are provided for the full and effective operation of the buildings and estate in accordance with the provisions of the leases, as directed by the Management Surveying Team.
• Liaise regularly with all the commercial occupiers, keeping them informed of all works and services within the buildings and estate grounds.
• Keep updated occupier site contact lists, key holder and fire safety responsible persons list.
• Regularly inspect the buildings including all common parts areas such as corridors, fire escape routes, plant rooms, roof areas, service areas, car parks etc.
• Record issues and take and record actions accordingly.
• Oversee occupier fault reporting and day to day issues and utilising the designated Service Desk, monitor reactive performance levels via the compliance system ensuring that service providers achieve their contracted SLA/KPIs.
• Ensure that all insurance claims are satisfactorily handled.
• Assist the surveying team with the completion of Way leave Agreements and Licences to Alter.
• Assist the Management Surveyor in the provision of formal written reports and attend client meetings as required.
• On-going management of energy, sustainability and initiatives.
• Establish close co-operation and liaison with all local authority departments, local organisations, Business Improvement Districts and businesses and associations as necessary in connection with the successful operation of the building.

Contract Management

Attend regular contractor/service provider meetings and take specific ownership for managing the contracts at Brindleyplace Estate. Inspect site records, method statements and contracts specifications for these contracts on a regular basis. Monitor contractor performance, attendance, cost and value. Benchmarking for quality & costs and adequacy of the contract on a regular basis and in any resultant Tenders.

Health & Safety and Compliance

Utilising the AY designated Compliance system ensuring that all safety records, statutory inspections, reports and documentation are retained and up to date at the properties. Report any unsafe acts/defects to the Facilities Management Director immediately. All necessary documentation must be on site and always complied with, both in Landlords and occupiers’ areas. Fire precautions are to be always monitored and adhered to with all weekly fire alarm test, emergency light test, sprinkler valve test and fire evacuation drills being completed at the required frequency and logged. Ensure the instruction or management of the following:

• Health and Safety Risk Assessment is undertaken annually.
• Asbestos Register and Management plan is produced and all hazards managed as appropriate.
• Fire Risk Assessment or Audit.
• Legionella Assessment.
• On Site Logbooks
• Fire Safety records
• Water Hygiene records
• Records for specific Permits to Work (PTW)
• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering maintenance records
• Cleaning reports and method statements

Environmental

Review Landlord’s electricity and gas consumption levels, in conjunction with the energy consultant and AY Environmental Policy. Undertake a regular audit of the buildings. Develop plans for the enhancement of the building, security measures and energy saving initiatives in conjunction with AY technical managers and colleagues in line with AY Environmental Policy.

Budget Control

Ensure instructions are issued to external advisers for the provision of ten year plans for service charge expenditure on both plant and structure where required. Determine priorities for repair, enhancement, and modification of the building services facilities and equipment in order to implement the five year plan, in agreement with the surveying team. Approve expenditure, within given authority levels, on building services expenditure and monitor service charge expenditure within all relevant properties. Expenditure is to be monitored throughout the year to ensure that it is kept within budget for the current year.

Duties

Carry out other duties as directed by the Facilities Management Associate Director, the Lead Surveying Director or other senior management associated with the Brindleyplace Management Team. Provide assistance, support and cover as required across the wider AY Facilities Team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years industry experience, operating at similar level of responsibility.
• IOSH qualification.
• Membership of IWFM or other recognised professional body.
• Customer and Client focused.
• A good understanding of Electrical and Mechanical systems and operation.
• A good understanding and minimum 5 years working knowledge of the RICS Code of Practice for Service Charges in Commercial Properties.
• Clear leadership and management qualities.

Equal Opportunities

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at careers.uk@avisonyoung.com and we will do everything we can to help. We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.