At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for student residences, ensuring a sustainable and attractive living environment.
- Company: Join FIM, a dynamic management services company under global investment firm Meridiam.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical benefits, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations or contracts, with strong asset management experience.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 56000 £ per year.
Company Overview
FIM (Fulcrum Infrastructure Management) is a management services company, managing social infrastructure assets on behalf of our parent company, global infrastructure investment company Meridiam.
Position Details
- Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Hybrid role – up to 2 days per week WFH
- Salary: Up to £56,000 + Annual Bonus
- Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave + BH, Life Insurance, Pension Scheme, up to 9% employer contribution, Private Medical Benefit including dental and optical, EAP, salary sacrifice schemes, gym & retailer discounts
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 will manage service delivery through subcontracted FM partners, oversee operational performance and act as the principal operational interface with the University and key stakeholders. 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 preventive maintenance, defect management and improvement projects, using data‑driven insights to monitor performance and inform decision making. You will 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.
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.
Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield employer: Fulcrum Infrastructure Management Limited
FIM (Fulcrum Infrastructure Management) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, where you can thrive as an Operations Manager. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, private medical coverage, and a robust pension scheme with up to 9% employer contribution. Our collaborative culture fosters professional growth and development, ensuring that you have the support and resources needed to excel in managing social infrastructure assets while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance student living experiences.
Contact Details:
Fulcrum Infrastructure Management Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in operations 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 projects. Understand their approach to PPP/PFI and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to stakeholder management and asset management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (PPP) in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in PPP/PFI projects and facilities management, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in stakeholder management and asset management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for managing social infrastructure assets.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a hands-on leader, it's important to demonstrate your leadership style in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially in fast-paced environments, to give us a taste of your approach.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fulcrum Infrastructure Management Limited
✨Know Your PPP/PFI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Private Finance Initiatives (PFI). Understand the key contractual obligations and how they apply to operational management. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms, but that you can effectively navigate the complexities of these frameworks.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Whether it’s universities, FM providers, or internal teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced decisions and built trust. This is crucial for the Operations Manager role, so highlight your collaborative approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you use data-driven insights to inform your decision-making. Bring examples of how you've monitored performance metrics and made improvements based on your findings. This will illustrate your ability to manage budgets and enhance service delivery effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational emergencies or compliance issues. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and how you would handle real-world challenges. This will help you stand out as a confident, hands-on leader.