Building Services Operations Manager in Brighton

To be responsible for health and safety, financial, and procurement related compliance in relation to all hard services contractual functions which includes Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and building services that includes Mechanical & Electrical (M&E), plumbing and drainage, and building fabric across circa 400+ council buildings and assets used by a range of internal and external customers.

To lead and develop an in-house contract management and maintenance team, driving continuous improvement to match the changing needs of internal customers and ensuring best value for money outcomes in conjunction with other property related teams.

Principal accountabilities

• Direct line management and accountability for the performance management of an operational team of professionals, leading the provision of Facility Services, delivery and customer relationship management of all relevant traded services providing a core offer of services.
• To be responsible for specifying, procuring, execution, supervision and monitoring of Building Services contracts across Council sectors e.g. Education, Civic (Public) and Social Care properties ensuring compliance by contractors and relevant Council staff under the Council Policies and associated legislation for audit purposes and the production of relevant reports for senior management.
• Production of monthly performance reports to senior officers detailing statutory compliance and remedial works status, trends, current business risks and mitigation to demonstrate compliance with legislation and to allow business decisions to be made.
• To design and specify Building Services activities and works, prepare specifications, schedules of work and schedules of condition. Obtain, appraise and recommend acceptance of tenders, prepare contract documents, drawings, inspect and supervise activities works.
• To supervise and administer contracts in accordance with the Council's standing orders and financial regulations.
• To be accountable and financially responsible for all related building services management, ensuring that all management including financial processes, are carried out as per Council Policies and associate regulations.
• Implement and monitor appropriate Building Services management contracts, activities and works, effectively prioritising, produce financial plans and implement and monitor such activities and works.
• To manage and monitor compliance related disciplines, ensuring all systems are compliant according to policies and regulations.
• To manage and monitor the ongoing service delivery of Building Services to ensure the needs of the Council and Department are met in the most efficient and cost-efficient manner while securing sustainability.
• Working closely and collaboratively with Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Building Services colleagues and other internal and external key stakeholders securing continuous improvement in Building Services Management.
• Provide technical advice to and liaise with all relevant colleagues and teams to ensure a collaborative approach to finding sustainable and cost effective solutions whilst utilising new technological and equipment opportunities.
• To ensure comprehensive Building Services related records are maintained and stored appropriately to comply with all Health, Safety Wellbeing, procurement, legal, financial and insurance legislative requirements and to enable pro-active information sharing and facilitate strategic decision making.
• To construct, implement and conduct a regular programme of audits of contract provider service quality, evidencing value for money and relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in line with council policies and relevant procurement legislation, ensuring the implementation of any improvements required in service delivery, and to negotiate any evidenced KPI and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) financial penalties that might result from the audits.
• To advise about building services activities and works, including estimates and prepare feasibility studies as required, providing all information necessary to enable decisions to be made.
• To be accountable for escalating and resolving any known issues relating to Health, Safety Wellbeing and Building Services contracts in liaison with relevant legal, financial and contract management colleagues through ensuring regular contractor and stakeholder meetings and performance reviews.
• Carry out such other duties as required or delegated by the Head of Facilities and Building Services including deputising as required.

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of sustainability, carbon reduction and circular economy and how these can be applied in Facilities and building management.
• Degree or appropriate technical qualification at a higher level, such as BTECH HNC/HND in a Facilities or Building Services related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Membership to an appropriate professional body such as IWFM; IFMA; MRICS; CABE; CIBSE; MCIOB, ICE or similar or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH general certificate or equivalent experience.
• Excellent knowledge of all relevant UK Health & Safety legislation.

Experience

• Experience of recruitment, management and development of staff.
• Experience of the tendering process and an extensive working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and its practical implementation within a variety of buildings.
• Experience of the procurement and management of hard services contracts.
• Experience of the specific requirements for buildings and building services maintenance relating to a wide range of premises, both in practical and legislative terms.
• Experience of financial management and accountability of large and complex budgets.