At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Hard Facilities Management services and ensure compliance across a public estate.
- Company: Join a large local authority with a focus on impactful public service.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, stable environment, and opportunity for influence.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape the council's estate strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector facilities management and drive service excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Services or Facilities Management and strong M&E leadership experience.
We are partnering with a large unitary local authority to recruit an experienced M&E Manager to lead the delivery of Hard Facilities Management services across a complex and politically visible public estate. This is a senior interim role, suited to an accomplished FM professional with strong leadership, contract management, and public sector experience, capable of operating at Head-of-Service interface level.
Reporting directly to the Head of FM & Capital Projects, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of Hard FM services, ensuring statutory compliance, service continuity, value for money, and high customer satisfaction.
Key responsibilities include:
- End‑to‑end management of core Hard FM contracts (including M&E and Fabric)
- Senior oversight of FM supply chain partners and contractor performance
- Line management, coaching, and performance management of Hard FM Supervisors
- Ensuring full statutory compliance (Fire, Gas, Electrical, Legionella, Asbestos, LOLER, Building Safety Act / Golden Thread)
- Ownership of FM budgets, expenditure control, and financial reporting
- Leading service improvement, audit outcomes, and performance recovery plans
- Working collaboratively with capital projects, energy, sustainability, and corporate stakeholders
- Deputising for the Head of FM Delivery as required
The role plays a key part in supporting the council's estate strategy, carbon reduction commitments, and wider corporate objectives.
What you'll need to succeed:
You will be a confident senior M&E leader with the credibility to operate in a complex public sector environment.
Essential:
- Degree‑level qualification in Building Services or Facilities Management or related discipline
- Strong experience managing M&E Services or Hard FM services at a senior level, ideally within a local authority or wider public sector
- Proven contract management expertise (NEC / JCT)
- In‑depth knowledge of statutory building compliance and safety legislation
- Experience of line managing M&E Teams or FM teams and driving performance improvement
- Strong financial, commercial, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to present and report to senior leadership and committees
Highly Desirable:
- NEBOSH / IOSH senior health & safety qualification
- Chartered or senior professional membership (IWFM, CIBSE, or equivalent)
- Experience of service transformation or change management within FM delivery
What you'll get in return:
- Market‑leading daily rate £380-£410 per day Umbrella
- High‑impact senior leadership role
- Opportunity to influence estate strategy, compliance, and service excellence
- Stable, well‑structured council environment with defined governance
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
M&E Manager employer: Hays Construction and Property
Contact Detail:
Hays Construction and Property Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land M&E Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management sector, especially those who have experience in public authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's estate strategy and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that M&E Manager role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace M&E Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the M&E Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing Hard FM services and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance in previous positions. We love to see strong leaders!
Be Clear on Compliance Knowledge: The role requires in-depth knowledge of statutory compliance and safety legislation. Make sure to mention any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in this area. We need to know you can keep things compliant!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Construction and Property
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Hard Facilities Management and M&E services. Familiarise yourself with the latest statutory compliance regulations and safety legislation, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in a public sector environment, as this will demonstrate your capability to operate at a senior level.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the council's estate strategy and carbon reduction commitments. Showing that you understand their corporate objectives will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be responsible for budgets and financial reporting, prepare to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've controlled expenditure and delivered value for money in previous roles.