Build Manager in London

About Grand Junction and Paddington Development Trust. Paddington Development Trust (PDT) is a registered charity working across North Paddington, delivering programmes in employment and enterprise, public health, culture and climate action in partnership with the NHS, the Greater London Authority, Westminster City Council and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s is PDT’s cultural and community venue. We engage local people through accessible arts and heritage activities that promote wellbeing, educational opportunities, and community cohesion. It is leased by PDT Monday – Saturday to run as a venue and is also a working parish church of the Diocese of London, with exclusive church use on Sundays. Commercial revenue streams, including weddings, corporate events, film, TV and photography locations, and private hires, generate all-important income that is reinvested into the building and our community and education programmes.

The Building Manager will line-manage the Facilities Assistant and work alongside the Venue Sales and Events Manager and others in the Grand Junction team, to ensure the building is operational and ready to support delivery of this busy programme. You will have overall responsibility for the maintenance, upkeep and repairs to Grand Junction, ensuring the provision of well-maintained and clean facilities for community, commercial and private hires and for all activities.

You will lead on all building-related contracts and arrangements and liaise with private contractors. You will ensure that the building meets all Health and Safety and Fire safety requirements at all times.

Ensure that the building is maintained and cleaned to the highest standards within the budget available, meeting all statutory and health and safety requirements, so that it accommodates all staff, volunteers, community, hirers, and other users:

• Line-Manage the Facilities Assistant(s) and the casual facilities team to ensure the building is well-maintained and that all areas are set up for activities and events.
• Manage the relationship with all building maintenance contractors, ensuring they meet all of their contractual obligations, and that work is of a high standard.
• Ensure that all regular statutory and health and safety checks (fire doors and exits, emergency lighting, fire alarm tests, fire drills, legionella tests etc.) are conducted.
• Manage other supplier contracts and relationships e.g. intruder alarm, lift maintenance, cleaning contract etc.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained and tested regularly e.g. ventilation, heating, AV, water testing, etc.
• Identify required repairs to the fabric of the building or equipment and ensure that they are carried out promptly within available agreed budget or following agreement with the Creative and Community Director.
• Monitor the condition of external pathways, entrances, and outdoor areas so they remain accessible, well‑presented, and safe for visitors.

Overall line management responsibility for the Facilities Assistant(s), including conducting regular support and supervision and annual appraisals in line with PDT policy.

• Ensure holidays and sick leave are recorded and that cover is available as required during periods of staff absence and/or larger events.
• Ensure the Facilities Assistant(s) perform to the maximum of their abilities, identifying and providing for any training or support needs.
• Conduct regular security walk‑arounds to ensure the building is secure and report any issues.
• Support emergency procedures such as fire evacuation and counter‑terrorism measures and ensure these are followed correctly during incidents.
• Help embed Grand Junction’s health and safety policies across the building, ensuring staff and visitors follow required protocols.
• Carry out regular fire alarm testing and make sure colleagues understand the correct actions in the event of a fire.
• Respond appropriately and professionally to challenging behaviour on site.
• Complete scheduled health and safety checks and inspections in line with agreed guidelines.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of health, safety, and security systems as building use evolves.
• Participate in ongoing training to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant procedures.

Ensuring the setting up of spaces in a timely and accurate manner, including arranging furniture, equipment, and digital technology.

• Use the shared events calendar to plan weekly and monthly set‑ups and pack‑downs, coordinating with the Venue Sales and Events Manager where additional staffing is needed.
• Open and close the building as required.
• Ensure the bar and stage are set-up for concerts and private events.
• Assist in welcoming and supporting members of the public as part of the wider team.
• Work closely with café staff, the Venue Sales and Events Manager, and colleagues to ensure smooth and responsive service delivery.
• Meet organisational requirements for DBS clearance.

Acting as event manager or deputy manager for ticketed events and hires, in rotation with other staff members and freelance staff, overseeing staff and volunteers.

• Oversee bar operations during events and support the delivery of a professional, positive visitor experience.
• Support collaborative working across the wider staff team to deliver Grand Junction’s events programme.
• Work to and within an agreed budget to maintain the facilities.
• Liaise with Creative and Community Director around larger financial issues.
• Participate in team meetings, contributing ideas, and supporting continuous improvement of venue operations.
• Work closely with volunteers, providing clear communication and ensuring they feel valued and supported.