At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead facilities management across residential communities, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Dandara Living, a market leader in residential community development.
- Benefits: Up to £70k salary, competitive bonuses, 33 days holiday, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of living and make a real impact on residential experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven senior facilities management experience and strong stakeholder skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with national travel and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Step into a leadership role shaping the future of living at Dandara. At Dandara Living, we’re redefining how residential communities are operated and experienced. As our portfolio continues to grow across Build to Rent, Single Family Housing and PBSA, we’re looking for a Head of Facilities to lead from the front — setting standards, driving consistency, and building a facilities strategy that scales with ambition. This is a senior, national role with real influence. You’ll shape how our buildings are operated, how safety and compliance are embedded, and how residents experience their homes — today and as the portfolio evolves.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Central Operations, the Head of Facilities will take ownership of facilities, estates, compliance and technical standards across Dandara Living’s residential portfolio. Based from our Manchester, Milton Keynes and London offices, with a mixture of national travel and home working, you’ll work closely with Operations, Compliance, Investment teams and our Health & Safety Manager to ensure assets are safe, compliant, efficient and future-proofed. This role plays a critical part in supporting Dandara Living’s expansion into Single Family Housing and PBSA, ensuring new and existing schemes are mobilised smoothly and operated to a consistently high standard from day one.
What You Will Do
- Lead facilities delivery across all residential asset classes, ensuring operational excellence at scale.
- Set and maintain portfolio-wide facilities, estates and compliance standards.
- Lead reactive maintenance, PPM, M&E and statutory compliance across BTR, SFH and PBSA.
- Champion a Safety First culture, with full oversight of fire, building safety and statutory obligations.
- Hold full budget responsibility for facilities and estates spend across the portfolio.
- Develop and manage strategic third-party supplier relationships to deliver value, quality and scalability.
- Lead vendor performance, escalation and SLA management.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex facilities, compliance or infrastructure issues.
- Support onsite teams with contractor management, permits to work and technical guidance.
- Oversee CAFM and compliance systems, ensuring accurate reporting and KPI tracking.
- Produce clear, robust facilities and compliance reporting for internal stakeholders and investors.
- Lead lifecycle planning, asset condition assessments and CapEx recommendations.
- Support new scheme mobilisation, from O&M review through to steady-state operations.
- Collaborate with Development and Operations teams to deliver future-proofed facilities solutions.
What You Will Bring
We’re looking for a confident, commercially astute facilities leader who is comfortable operating at senior level and across complex portfolios. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience in a senior facilities, estates or technical role within residential, hospitality, PBSA or similar environments.
- Strong understanding of facilities management across different residential asset classes.
- Demonstrable experience leading multi-site teams and specialist service providers.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience working with investors and senior leaders.
- Strong commercial and budget management capability.
- IOSH qualification (or higher), with in-depth knowledge of health, safety and building compliance.
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and willingness to travel nationally.
What We Will Offer You
Dandara is a market-leading developer in the living sector, delivering Build-to-Rent, Single Family Housing, and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Today, Dandara Living is one of the UK’s leading designers, developers, and operators of large-scale residential communities, with a proven track record in creating award-winning developments. Our in-house expertise spans land acquisition, design, development, procurement, site delivery, and property and asset management, allowing us to create sustainable, inclusive places where people genuinely want to live.
Our benefits include:
- Up to £70k depending on experience.
- Competitive car allowance and access to our EV scheme.
- Competitive annual bonus (discretionary).
- 33 days holiday + the option to buy 5 more.
- Up to 5% matched pension scheme.
- 3x salary life assurance (option to increase to x4).
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- 24-hour Digital Doctor access.
- Health Assured Wisdom App.
- Competitive parental leave.
- Discounts platform with hundreds of retailers, restaurants and gyms.
Important note: No agency applications will be considered for this role. Any CVs received will be treated as a free gift.
Head of Facilities employer: Dandara
Contact Detail:
Dandara Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Facilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Facilities role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dandara Living's projects and values. Show us that you understand their mission to redefine residential communities. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in operational excellence and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to Dandara Living’s vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Facilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Facilities role. Highlight your leadership experience in facilities management and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about redefining residential communities and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Dandara Living. Be sure to mention your understanding of compliance and safety standards.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex portfolios. We want to see how you can inspire others and drive a Safety First culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dandara
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Dandara Living's operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to facilities management, especially in residential settings. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Facilities, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in multi-site environments. Highlight your ability to drive operational excellence and manage complex portfolios.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of safety and compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations. Share specific instances where you've implemented compliance measures or improved safety standards in previous positions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key for this position. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with senior leaders or investors. Show how you can build relationships and manage expectations, which will be crucial for success at Dandara Living.