Facilities Lead in Ashford, Kent

Facilities Lead in Ashford, Kent

Ashford +1 Full-Time 36000 - 46000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Premier Foods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead facilities management, ensuring safety and compliance while driving improvements.
  • Company: Premier Foods, a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health support, and discounts.
  • Other info: Join a culture that values diversity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a safe and efficient work environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 £ per year.

Location: Ashford, TN24 0LU

Salary: £36k p.a. to £46k p.a.

Shifts: Days with flexibility expected

Make a Real Impact. Lead Change. Raise Standards.

We're looking for a confident and forward-thinking Facilities Lead who is ready to take ownership, challenge the status quo, and make a tangible difference across our site. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a role where you won't just maintain standards - you'll raise them, driving improvements in compliance, performance, and workplace experience. If you thrive on responsibility, enjoy influencing others, and want to build a safer, more efficient environment, this role is for you.

The Role:

  • Driving Performance & Standards: Own and develop Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes, monitor asset performance and lead reliability improvements, ensure all building systems and infrastructure are compliant, efficient, and well-maintained.
  • Leading Facilities Services: Oversee delivery of both hard services (HVAC, utilities, building systems) and soft services (security, grounds, workplace services), manage supplier and contractor performance through KPIs, audits, and reviews, continuously improve workplace standards and colleague experience.
  • Owning Compliance & Governance: Act as the site lead for facilities compliance and statutory requirements, maintain permits, RAMS, and certification to audit standards, identify and mitigate risks, ensuring a safe, controlled working environment.
  • Driving Efficiency & Sustainability: Monitor and improve utilities performance (energy, water, air), lead initiatives to reduce cost, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals.
  • Influencing & Leading Change: Challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement, build strong relationships across teams and stakeholders, promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and high standards.

What We're Looking For:

  • Confident and proactive - willing to challenge and improve the way things are done.
  • Driven to succeed - motivated by making a visible difference.
  • A natural leader - able to influence, engage, and bring others with you.
  • Highly organised - comfortable managing multiple priorities.

Essential Experience:

  • Strong influencing and communication skills.
  • Experience managing facilities or contractor services.
  • Solid understanding of Health & Safety systems and compliance.
  • Ability to operate effectively across all levels of an organisation.

Desirable Technical Knowledge:

  • Experience in areas such as electrical, mechanical, or utilities systems, DSEAR / ATEX, Legionella (L8), PSSR, BOAS, LOLER, PUWER, HVAC, refrigeration, or effluent systems.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a facilities role - it's an opportunity to:

  • Own and shape the site environment.
  • Drive real, visible change.
  • Work alongside a collaborative leadership team.
  • Develop and grow your career.

If you're someone who sees opportunities where others see problems, and you're ready to make your mark - we want to hear from you.

Benefits and Perks:

  • 25 days' annual leave and 8 bank holidays.
  • Contributory pension up to 7.5%, plus life assurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health support.
  • Sharesave scheme.
  • Company shop.
  • Online retail discounts.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Free on-site parking and strong transport links.

At Premier Foods, we believe in inclusion, authenticity, and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued, and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.

The Next Step... Click apply via our website and upload your CV.

Locations

AshfordKent

Facilities Lead in Ashford, Kent employer: Premier Foods

At Premier Foods, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ashford where you can truly make a difference as a Facilities Lead. With a strong focus on employee growth, our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, while our comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, pension contributions, and wellness support, ensures that you are well taken care of. Join us to not only enhance workplace standards but also to develop your career in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.

Premier Foods

Contact Details:

Premier Foods Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Facilities Lead in Ashford, Kent

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how you can contribute to raising standards and driving improvements. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share examples of how you've influenced change or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to drive performance.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a real impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Lead in Ashford, Kent

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Facilities Management
Health & Safety Compliance
Influencing Skills
Communication Skills
Contractor Management
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Facilities Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant compliance knowledge to show us you're the right fit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about facilities management. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved standards in previous roles – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Facilities Lead, you'll need to influence and engage with various teams. Make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills, whether through your CV or cover letter.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of facilities management, especially around compliance and performance standards. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations like DSEAR, ATEX, and Legionella to show you're serious about safety and efficiency.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and influencing change. Prepare examples where you've successfully driven improvements or challenged the status quo. This will demonstrate your proactive nature and ability to engage others.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, such as managing contractor performance or improving workplace standards. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, highlighting your problem-solving skills.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's sustainability initiatives or how they measure success in facilities management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.