Head of Facilities Management

Head of Facilities and Safety Governance

Central London

£68,284 Hybrid Working (3 days on campus / 2 days remote), Enhanced Pension Scheme ,41 Days Holiday

I am recruiting for a Head of Facilities and Safety Governance to join a leading London University Students’ Union based in Central London. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced facilities professional to lead the strategic delivery of Facilities Management, Health & Safety Governance, statutory compliance and sustainability across a diverse estate of 5 cafes, 4 bars, 2 shops, gym, sportsground and office spaces.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across facilities, health and safety, contractor management and compliance, ensuring buildings are safe, fit for purpose and support an outstanding experience for students, staff and visitors. You will lead a dedicated Facilities and Health & Safety team, manage key external contracts including cleaning and security, oversee departmental budgets and play a key role in major estates and capital projects, working closely with senior stakeholders and reporting regularly to the Board.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Facilities Management and Health & Safety strategy across the estate.
• Manage facilities operations, contractor performance, statutory compliance and maintenance programmes.
• Lead and develop the Facilities and Health & Safety team.
• Manage departmental budgets and oversee facilities projects and refurbishments.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety legislation, policies and governance requirements.
• Lead business continuity, emergency planning and critical incident response.
• Drive environmental sustainability initiatives, including the organisation’s zero-carbon roadmap.
• Prepare Board-level reports and provide expert advice to senior stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with University partners on strategic estates developments and new student spaces.

I am keen to talk to candidates who:

• Hold a degree or equivalent qualification in Facilities Management, Health & Safety or a related discipline.
• Hold a recognised senior Health & Safety qualification such as the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma (or equivalent).
• Are professionally accredited, or working towards Chartered status, with IOSH, IWFM or a relevant professional body.
• Have significant senior experience leading Facilities Management and Health & Safety within a complex organisation.
• Have a strong track record of managing compliance, contractors, estates projects and operational budgets.
• Can influence senior stakeholders and confidently present to Boards and committees.
• Have experience embedding a positive health and safety culture and leading sustainability initiatives.

The position is immediately available and offers a starting salary of £68,284 per annum , together with an exceptional benefits package including 33 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (41 days total), hybrid working, access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme pension scheme with an employer contribution of approximately 14.6% and employee 6.1%, an interest-free season ticket loan, enhanced family leave, discounted healthcare schemes and a wide range of retail and lifestyle discounts