Facilities Manager in Brentford

Homes for Students is one of the UK’s leading providers of student accommodation. We are looking for a Facilities Manager to join our The Paragon based in London, working 40 hours per week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Purpose of the role

To be the Property Lead for all Facility Management elements of this large scale, modern property with a range of modern plant and equipment. This will include Health & Safety, Compliance, Housekeeping, Maintenance (both PPM and Reactive) along with Life Cycle Maintenance & planning.

Major Duties

• Responsible for continual review of building infrastructure including structure, external & internal fabric, and M&E services to understand performance, efficiency, and areas of improvement.
• Accountability for completion of our CAFM system and ownership of program of internal and external servicing, maintenance, and compliance checks as well as ensuring complete storage of servicing certification and servicing partners’ compliance documents.
• Assist in implementing FM and H&S policy and procedures through establishing agreed plans in accordance with principles of ISO 45001.
• Work alongside the Property Manager and property team to ensure responsive, high quality reactive maintenance with a focus on exceptional customer service is delivered to residents, and throughout the Property, at all times.
• Lead property contact for refurbishment work, repairs, large project works, warranty repairs and maintenance, and insurance works as required.
• Work closely with the central and regional asset and project teams to ensure proactive management of the facilities and property areas, focusing on increasing value and service.
• Provide advice and recommendations on issues relating to the management of facilities and health & safety.
• Support and promote proactive sustainability practices within the property.
• Oversee both in-house and outsourced maintenance & housekeeping functions, including management of summer cleaning, maintenance and turnaround, always ensuring the highest quality of service for our residents.
• Provide advice, support, monitoring, and training across the business in relation to facilities and H&S activities including, but not limited to, fire alarm testing, fire door inspections, operation of M&E systems (CCTV, BMS, access control etc.), and liaison with contractors.
• Act as the point of contact for locally delivered FM activities including hygiene risk assessments, health & safety audits, and other external inspections.
• Ensure that all necessary staff are sufficiently trained and familiar with building infrastructure and hard services at the level required to discharge their duties.
• Ensure local arrangements and critical spares are in place to deal with unplanned interruptions to essential building services.
• Provide regular reports related to the status of the property, any associated risks and recommendations for lifecycle planning and capital expenditure.
• Creation and implementation of lifecycle plans alongside relevant colleagues.
• Manage contracts and resolve disputes.

Health & Safety

• Assist in monitoring health, safety & compliance activities across the property/departments in accordance with all relevant legislation, for example, the Building Safety Act and related fire door checking regime.
• Implement local procedures for the management of significant risks including those related to fire, general H&S and water hygiene.
• Ensure the Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting Procedure is followed locally and assist on the initial, first-stage investigation of incidents as required.
• Coordinate the organisation and evaluation of fire evacuation drills and testing of emergency procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures relative to facilities management and H&S activities.
• Proactively review competency levels and training requirements for all teams.
• Increase H&S awareness and promote a positive H&S culture throughout the local teams including the delivery of toolbox talks.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities as required including HSE, Local Authorities, Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Services in conjunction with the Central H&S Team.
• Assist the team with other ad-hoc tasks as required.

In order to work effectively, you may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore, you should be prepared to undertake other duties appropriate to the post, as delegated by your line manager.

Experience

• Strong background in property / facilities management and health & safety.
• Relevant industry training is desirable (IRPM, ARLA, RICS, IWFM, IOSH, IFE, FPA).
• Management of team, and working cross-departmentally.
• Track record of managing projects such as refurbishment, warranty repairs, or insurance works.
• Track record of managing contractors.
• Previous experience in residential property (PBSA, hospitality or private rental sector preferred).
• Must be pro‑active and able to use initiative to enhance business reputation.
• Professional presentation, confident and outgoing in nature.
• Well organised, ability to problem solve and works under pressure with great decision‑making skills.
• Able to demonstrate an organised and professional approach and ability to prioritise.
• Working with CAFM & Safety Management Systems, along with good PC skills.
• Passion for safe working practices and people safety.

Now, what’s in it for you!

• Bank holidays + 25 days annual leave
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Just Eat for Business – we love a regular takeaway!
• Dedicated employee portal with tons of discounts
• Employee of the Month Scheme with 3 monthly winners
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric/Hybrid Car Scheme

If this sounds like the role for you and you have the skills, knowledge and experience required, we would love to hear from you!