At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and manage facilities for a cutting-edge science park.
- Company: Join BRE, a leader in innovation for the built environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make your mark at BRE! BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting‑edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science‑led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.
Your role at BRE
As Senior Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the estate, overseeing both technical and non‑technical facilities services delivered through outsourced partners. Working across a busy science park environment, you'll ensure buildings, infrastructure and essential services operate effectively while managing compliance, sustainability initiatives, capital projects and operational budgets. The role offers significant variety and influence, combining hands‑on operational leadership with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and business‑critical decision making.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the estate, buildings and infrastructure across the science park.
- Manage outsourced facilities management providers, ensuring service delivery meets agreed performance standards, KPIs and SLAs.
- Oversee engineering maintenance activities, building compliance and technical maintenance strategies.
- Lead operational meetings and contract performance reviews with service partners.
- Manage capital projects from concept through to completion, including budgets, procurement and contractor management.
- Develop and manage annual operational and capital expenditure budgets.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across estates and facilities services.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, health and safety and environmental regulations.
- Lead sustainability, energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives, including ESG‑related reporting requirements.
- Develop business continuity and emergency response plans and lead responses to major estate‑related incidents.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, laboratory teams, suppliers, contractors and the local community.
- Lead, develop and support direct reports, ensuring appropriate training, capability development and succession planning.
What we are looking for
We're looking for an experienced estates, facilities or operations professional with a strong technical background and a track record of managing complex facilities through outsourced service providers. You’ll bring:
- HNC or HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (desirable).
- NEBOSH and/or IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
- Significant experience managing large outsourced facilities management contracts.
- Strong knowledge of building services, maintenance operations and statutory compliance requirements.
- Experience managing operational and capital budgets, procurement activities and contractor performance.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance service delivery, risk and cost.
- Sound understanding of health and safety legislation and building‑related compliance requirements.
- The ability to remain calm and decisive when managing operational issues and incidents.
Desirable
- Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Surveying, Property or a related discipline.
- 18th Edition Electrical qualification.
- Professional membership with RICS, IWFM, CIBSE or a similar body.
- Experience using CAFM systems.
- AutoCAD experience.
This role includes participation in an out‑of‑hours on‑call rota and requires the ability to respond to major site incidents when necessary. For professionals who enjoy combining strategic responsibility with operational leadership, this is an excellent opportunity to make a visible impact across a critical and evolving estate.
BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well‑being, and career development.
Financial & Security Benefits
- Pension scheme – 5% employer‑matched contribution
- Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
- Enhanced maternity package
Health & Wellbeing
- HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
- Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at‑cost EV charging points
Career Development
- Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
- Professional membership reimbursement
For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits
Work Location Options
Hybrid – This role requires a presence at our Watford office (4‑5 days per week). You must live within a commutable distance.
Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Senior Operations Manager (Estates) - 6 Month FTC in Watford employer: BRE Group
At BRE, we pride ourselves on being a leading innovation hub for the built environment, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As a Senior Operations Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a supportive environment focused on sustainability and excellence. With access to extensive learning resources and a commitment to employee well-being, BRE is an exceptional employer for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager (Estates) - 6 Month FTC in Watford
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like BRE Group.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like BRE Group appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager (Estates) - 6 Month FTC in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting BRE Group know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what BRE Group is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRE Group
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
