Facilities Manager in Canterbury

Homes for Students is one of the UK’s leading providers of student accommodation. We are looking for a Facilities Manager to join our Palamon Court, Currus Court, Rhodaus Court sites based in Canterbury. The role requires a 40‑hour week, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

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. Responsibilities include Health & Safety, Compliance, Housekeeping, Maintenance (both PPM and Reactive) and 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 programmes of internal and external servicing, maintenance, and compliance checks as well as ensuring complete storage of servicing certification and partnering compliance documents.
• Assist in implementing FM and H&S policy and procedures through establishing agreed plans in accordance with ISO 45001 principles.
• Work with the Property Manager and property team to deliver responsive, high‑quality reactive maintenance with a focus on exceptional customer service for residents and throughout the property.
• Lead property contact for refurbishment work, repairs, large project works, warranty repairs and maintenance, and insurance work as required.
• Collaborate with central and regional asset and project teams to proactively manage facilities and property areas, focusing on increasing value and service.
• Provide advice and recommendations on facilities and health & safety issues.
• Support and promote proactive sustainability practices within the property.
• Oversee in‑house and outsourced maintenance & housekeeping functions, including summer cleaning, maintenance and turnaround, always ensuring the highest quality of service for our residents.
• Provide advice, support, monitoring, and training in facilities and H&S activities, including fire alarm testing, fire door inspections, operation of M&E systems (CCTV, BMS, access control, etc.) and liaison with contractors.
• Serve as the point of contact for locally delivered FM activities, including hygiene risk assessments, health & safety audits and other external inspections.
• Ensure that 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 handle unplanned interruptions to essential building services.
• Provide regular reports related to property status, associated risks, and recommendations for lifecycle planning and capital expenditure.
• Create and implement lifecycle plans with relevant colleagues.
• Manage contracts and resolve disputes.

Health & Safety

• Assist in monitoring health, safety & compliance activities across the property and departments in accordance with relevant legislation, including 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 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 relating 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 local teams, including the delivery of toolbox talks.

Additional Responsibilities

In order to work effectively, you may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore 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 desirable (IRPM, ARLA, RICS, IWFM, IOSH, IFE, FPA).
• Management of team and cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Track record of managing projects such as refurbishment, warranty repairs, or insurance works.
• Previous experience in residential property (PBSA, hospitality or private rental sector preferred).
• Professional presentation, confident and outgoing nature.
• Well organized, problem‑solving ability and able to work under pressure with strong decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated organised professional approach and ability to prioritise.
• Experience with CAFM & Safety Management Systems, and good PC skills.

Benefits

• Bank holidays + 25 days annual leave
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Dedicated employee portal with discounts
• Employee of the Month scheme with three monthly winners
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric/Hybrid car scheme

Homes for Students is an equal opportunity employer and a member of Inclusive Employers. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments that you may require.