At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations for student accommodation, ensuring a vibrant living environment.
- Company: Join FIM, a dynamic management services company under global infrastructure leader Meridiam.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and health benefits including private medical care.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while developing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations or contracts, with strong experience in PPP/PFI projects.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 56000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £56,000 + Annual Bonus
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Hybrid role – Up to 2 days per week WFH
Benefits: 25 days AL + BH, Life Insurance, Pension Scheme, up to 9% employer contribution, Private Medical Benefit including dental and optical, EAP, salary sacrifice schemes, gym & retailer discounts.
FIM (Fulcrum Infrastructure Management) is a management services company, managing social infrastructure assets on behalf of our parent company; global infrastructure investment company, Meridiam.
This role is working on the University of Hertfordshire’s Student accommodation project, a 50 year PPP project which consists of the design, build, financing and operation of 3,000+ student residence rooms based on the College Lane Campus in Hatfield.
We’re seeking a proactive, hands on Operations Manager to join the team, who thrives in complex environments and can lead high‑quality operational delivery across the asset.
Key Requirements
- 3+ years’ experience in an Operations, Contracts or Head of Services role within a PPP/PFI or complex estates environment, with strong contractual understanding.
- Solid facilities management background (hard and/or soft services), including managing outsourced FM partners, helpdesk performance and statutory compliance.
- Proven asset management experience, covering lifecycle planning, PPMs, defect resolution and service or improvement projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working closely with universities, FM providers, boards and internal teams.
- Confident, hands‑on leader with commercial and financial awareness, able to manage budgets and make sound decisions in fast‑paced, demand‑led environments.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operational management of the College Lane residences, ensuring they remain an attractive, well run and sustainable living environment for students. You’ll manage service delivery through subcontracted FM partners, oversee operational performance and act as the principal operational interface with the University and key stakeholders to coordinate activity, minimise disruption and deliver exceptional service.
The role has a strong contractual and commercial focus, requiring you to interpret and monitor compliance with PPP/PFI requirements, support asset and SPV governance, and identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and occupancy outcomes. You will oversee lifecycle planning, planned preventative maintenance, defect management and improvement projects, using data driven insights to monitor performance and inform decision making.
You’ll also support Board and stakeholder meetings through preparation, reporting and action tracking, lead responses to out‑of‑hours operational emergencies, and play a key role in delivering the Uliving@Hertfordshire ESG strategy. This is a highly collaborative, hands on role requiring energy, resilience and a “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” approach.
About You
This role is ideal for an experienced operations, contracts or estates professional with a strong background in PPP/PFI projects, social infrastructure or large‑scale FM environments. You will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an Operations, Contracts or Head of Services role, and have a solid contractual understanding and are confident interpreting and applying complex contractual obligations to real‑world operational challenges.
Your asset management experience enables you to influence lifecycle planning, oversee PPM delivery, resolve defects and support capital and improvement projects within a complex estate. You are analytical, solutions‑focused and comfortable making informed decisions using performance and financial data. Known for your ability to influence rather than direct, you build trust quickly and work effectively with diverse stakeholders including university estates teams, FM partners, subcontractors, students and project company representatives. Experience within the Higher Education sector, particularly in fast paced or demand led residential environments, would be highly advantageous.
Values led and collaborative, you are committed to high standards, continuous improvement, health and safety compliance, and developing strong teams.
Our Values:
- Supportive - We embrace partnership working.
- Ethical - We act with integrity.
- Innovative - We take ownership for understanding and improving FIM.
- Ambitious - We continually strive to deliver the best possible service.
- Passionate - We are proud of the part we play in FIM & the service we deliver.
Application Process:
Application & CV Screening. First stage interview with Asset CEO. Second stage interview with Head of HR/CEO and/or Asset CEO. As part of this interview process, you will be required to complete a Profiling Assessment.
Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield employer: Fim Limited
Fim Limited is an exceptional employer that values detail-oriented individuals in the finance sector, offering a supportive hybrid work environment that promotes work-life balance. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects. The collaborative culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager (PPP) at Fim Limited!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Fim Limited or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager (PPP) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Fim Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager (PPP) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager (PPP) role at Fim Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Fim Limited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fim Limited
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Fim Limited. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
