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- Tasks: Lead and manage essential support services like catering and security in a healthcare setting.
- Company: Join Equans, a dynamic company focused on innovation and service excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient and staff satisfaction while leading a large team.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in multi-service environments and strong knowledge of Soft FM.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Equans is looking for a Head of Soft Services to join our team in Edinburgh on a permanent basis. This is a full‑time role (37.5 hours per week). The position is responsible for senior management and operational leadership of essential support functions including catering and security, overseeing a team of more than 165 staff and ensuring compliance with NHS standards, Food Safety Laws and Health & Safety regulations. The role is subject to SIA/SC clearance.
What will you deliver?
- Account lead in all Soft Services liaison and development meetings with senior members and service partners
- Lead the development of contractual Method Statements & Risk Assessments for all Soft Services
- Identifying and managing potential risks related to catering and security, and developing robust emergency response plans
- Driving continuous improvement and innovation within soft services to enhance patient and staff satisfaction and meet evolving service needs.
- Deliver the Soft Service operations on time and within budget
- Managing the budget in line with income and expenditure and drawing up contingency plans to deal with projected overspends
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPI) and agree improvement plans if required
- Liaise with customers and senior managers to ensure the agreed level of service is developed in line with the Ancillary Services Contract
- Liaise with key stakeholder groups, exchanging information to jointly develop service solutions
- Attend formal meetings and formally present updates and operational information
- Ensure all Soft Service staff are trained to the required standard to carry out their duties
- Establish and review working procedures within each area to ensure the requirements of all Health and Safety and other statutory regulations are met
What can we offer you?
- Competitive salary, car or car allowance, bonus and benefits package
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 2x annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to a mental wellbeing app
- Access to employee networks (e.g., AccessAbility, Encompass, RISE, WOMEN TOGETHER, Working Parents, Young Professionals)
Who are we looking for?
- Substantial senior management experience in a complex multi‑service environment
- Strong knowledge of Soft FM in a healthcare environment
- Experience managing a large team
- Healthcare PFI and FM experience
- Strong administration and organisational skills
- Awareness and understanding of confidentiality
- Capable of prioritising a complex and demanding workload
- Excellent interpersonal skills and customer‑focussed values
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work as part of a team
As part of our commitment to better reflect the markets within which we operate, we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK.
Head of Soft Services employer: Equans
Contact Detail:
Equans Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Soft Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in healthcare or facilities management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show us you understand Equans and how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your answers to highlight your leadership skills and knowledge of soft services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience managing large teams and ensuring compliance with regulations—these are key for the Head of Soft Services role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Soft Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in soft services, especially in healthcare. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Soft Services, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a large team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. We love to see how you’ve driven improvements and fostered collaboration!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you tailor your application even further!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equans
✨Know Your Soft Services Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of soft services, especially in a healthcare context. Understand the key regulations like NHS standards and Food Safety Laws, as well as how they apply to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are ready to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing risks or improving service delivery. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Soft Services, you'll be leading a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate and manage staff. Share examples of how you've developed teams in the past and how you ensure compliance with training standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in liaising with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and collaborated with senior managers and service partners. This will illustrate your interpersonal skills and customer-focused values, which are crucial for this role.