Description
We are excited to be recruiting for a skilled and dedicated Facilities Manager to join our team at Debden Grange Retirement Villagein Saffron Walden.
You’ll play a key role in keeping our village safe, well-maintained and welcoming for our residents, staff and visitors. From our buildings and communal spaces to the grounds, maintenance and housekeeping services, you’ll make sure everything runs smoothly and to a high standard.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll work closely with the Village Management Team, residents, colleagues and contractors. You’ll lead a small team of Estates Operatives and oversee external contractors, ensuring our facilities are well maintained, compliant and provide a great environment for our residents to enjoy.
Key Responsibilities
Customer & Community Focus
- Act as a trusted point of contact for residents, providing a responsive and helpful facilities service
- Welcome new residents and help them understand the facilities and maintenance services available to them
- Build positive relationships with the Residents’ Association and resident committees, listening and responding to feedback
- Identify opportunities to improve the resident experience through additional services and initiatives
Property, Grounds & Housekeeping Management
- Oversee the maintenance of the village buildings, communal areas, equipment, mechanical and electrical systems and landscaped grounds
- Ensure housekeeping and laundry services are delivered consistently to a high standard
- Manage planned preventative maintenance (PPM), procurement and contractors within agreed budgets
- Ensure safety and communication systems, including emergency call systems and fire alarms, are properly maintained and tested
- Take a hands-on approach to resolving maintenance and facilities issues around the village
Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure the village complies with relevant Health and Safety legislation, including fire, legionella, water and building safety requirements
- Carry out regular audits, inspections and risk assessments, ensuring any actions are followed through
- Act as the village’s health and safety lead, promoting a strong safety culture across the team
- Maintain accurate records and ensure statutory inspections and servicing are completed on time
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, support and develop a team of Estates Operatives
- Manage external contractors and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required standard
- Plan rotas, team meetings and workloads to ensure the village is adequately supported
- Monitor performance and encourage a positive, collaborative and inclusive team environment
- Support the team to continually improve the way we deliver our services
Operational & Financial Management
- Support the preparation and management of the estates and facilities budget
- Monitor costs, procurement and contractor performance to ensure value for money
- Maintain accurate facilities, maintenance and compliance records
- Support the timely preparation of properties for resale or rental, helping to minimise void periods
- Work closely with the wider Village Management Team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the village
The ideal candidate
Essential:
- Level 2 or above qualification in Facilities Management or an equivalent qualification
- 3+ years' experience managing estates, buildings or residential facilities, ideally within an environment such as a retirement village, housing, healthcare, education or hospitality
- IOSH Managing Safely and Legionella awareness certification
- Good practical knowledge of fire, water and building safety requirements
- Experience managing PPM programmes, budgets and external contractors
- Good IT and systems skills, including Office 365 and facilities management systems
- A practical, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving skills
- A clear communicator who enjoys working with people and providing a great service
Desirable:
- NEBOSH or Fire Safety Level 2 qualification
- Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical or general building trades
- Experience working within a residential or community environment
Why join us?
- Medicash health plan after 3 months
- Birthday leave
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Access to discounted gift cards and exclusive wellbeing perks
- A supportive, community-focused working environment
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Our Values
At Retirement Villages, our culture is shaped by the values we live every day:
Age Well | Community | Keep Improving | Invest Wisely | Planet Positive | One Team
Collaboration & Teamwork
If you enjoy being hands-on, solving problems and working with people to create a great place to live, we’d love to hear from you.
Facilities Manager in Saffron Walden employer: Retirement Villages Group
At The Willowbury Retirement Village, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment where every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our residents. With generous holiday entitlement, enhanced pension schemes, and opportunities for personal growth, we ensure that our employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions. Join us in creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere, while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a retirement village setting.
