Facilities Assistant in Solihull

3 months contract with a Local Authority.

Job Purpose

The Facilities Assistant is responsible for delivering a high-quality facilities and security service across the Council's property portfolio. The role supports the safe, efficient, and effective operation of corporate buildings by undertaking a variety of facilities management, maintenance, security, logistical, and customer service duties. The post holder will ensure buildings remain secure, compliant, well-maintained, and operational while providing support to staff, visitors, contractors, and other stakeholders across multiple Council locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilities Management
  • Open and close Council buildings in accordance with operational requirements.
  • Undertake general facilities management duties to ensure buildings are safe, secure, and functional.
  • Support facilities operations across multiple SMBC sites as required.
  • Participate in rotating shift patterns and out-of-hours emergency response arrangements.
• Building Maintenance
  • Carry out routine inspections of premises and report defects or maintenance requirements.
  • Perform minor maintenance and repair tasks including changing light bulbs, cleaning shades and diffusers, undertaking minor repairs, and responding to emergency cleaning requests.
  • Ensure washrooms, kitchens, and communal areas remain adequately stocked and maintained.
• Health, Safety and Compliance
  • Conduct routine Health & Safety inspections and compliance checks.
  • Monitor security systems and ensure building security procedures are followed.
  • Report and escalate risks, hazards, incidents, and non-compliance issues.
  • Assist with fire evacuations, emergency procedures, lift breakdowns, and building incidents.
  • Undertake Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) following appropriate training.
• Security Services
  • Conduct internal and external security patrols.
  • Ensure buildings and surrounding areas remain secure and accessible.
  • Participate in the Council's emergency call-out rota and be available for out-of-hours emergencies.
  • Monitor contractor access, visitor movements, and site security arrangements.
• Logistics and Porterage
  • Collect, sort, verify, and distribute internal and external mail, parcels, and packages.
  • Operate franking equipment and manage outgoing post.
  • Arrange deliveries, collections, and distribution of supplies and equipment.
  • Assist with office moves, relocations, furniture setup, and equipment transportation.
  • Coordinate waste disposal and removal of unwanted materials and furniture.
• Contractor Management
  • Monitor contractors whilst on site to ensure compliance with Council procedures and Health & Safety regulations.
  • Escalate concerns or intervene where contractor activities present risks or fail to meet required standards.
• Administrative Support
  • Administer staff identification badges and electronic access control systems.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports relating to building access and security.
  • Use Microsoft Outlook and other software systems to manage communications and respond to enquiries.
  • Maintain documentation and records associated with facilities operations.
• Customer Service
  • Provide reception cover when required.
  • Meet and greet visitors and provide assistance to customers, staff, and contractors.
  • Deliver professional and courteous customer service at all times.
• General Duties
  • Maintain external access routes, including litter picking and basic grounds maintenance around building entrances.
  • Monitor and report parking-related issues within site boundaries.
  • Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Experience Required

• Essential
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience carrying out practical facilities, maintenance, or operational support tasks.
  • Experience providing excellent customer service.
  • Experience following health and safety procedures.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Desirable
  • Experience working in a facilities management, building support, caretaker, porter, or maintenance environment.
  • Experience undertaking security patrols and building security duties.
  • Experience supporting office relocations and furniture moves.
  • Experience monitoring contractors on site.
  • Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment.
  • Experience using access control and security systems.

Qualifications

• Essential
  • Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Ability to undertake training required for the role.
• Desirable
  • NVQ Level 2 in Facilities Management, Property Maintenance, Building Services, Customer Service, or equivalent qualification.
  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) certification.
  • Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Working Safely).
  • First Aid certification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Essential
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with staff, visitors, and contractors.
  • Ability to work flexibly across multiple sites.
  • Physically capable of undertaking manual handling, moving furniture, and carrying out maintenance tasks.
  • Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Understanding of workplace Health & Safety requirements.
  • Good organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Desirable
  • Knowledge of facilities management practices.
  • Basic understanding of building maintenance systems.
  • Knowledge of security procedures and access control systems.
  • Understanding of logistics and office move requirements.

Additional Qualifications / Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence and access to own vehicle (up to 6 penalty points considered).
• Previous experience in facilities, porter, security, or caretaking roles.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety inspections and site compliance checks.
• Ability to identify and report building, security, and maintenance issues.
• Flexible to work rotating shifts and participate in the emergency call-out rota.
• Willingness to travel between multiple sites.

Additional Information

• Pay: £17.72 per hour (Umbrella) / £13.05 per hour (PAYE).
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
• Contract: Temporary with review after 4-6 weeks; potential for permanent employment.
• Shifts: 7:30am - 3:00pm or 11:30am - 7:00pm (30-minute unpaid break).
• Location: Blue Bell Centre Offices, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, B37 5TN, with travel to nearby sites including the Library and Connect Centre.
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
• Closing date: Soon - early applications are encouraged.