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- Tasks: Lead the launch of a new retirement village, ensuring top-notch facilities and services.
- Company: Join The Willowbury, a vibrant new community in West Malling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and the chance to shape a new community.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a meaningful role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while managing a dynamic and welcoming environment.
- Qualifications: Facilities Management qualification and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Facilities Manager to join the launch team at The Willowbury, an exciting new retirement village in West Malling. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping a brand-new community from the ground up, creating a safe, welcoming and beautifully maintained environment where residents can enjoy later life with independence, comfort and connection.
As Facilities Manager, you will lead the delivery of all property maintenance, grounds, housekeeping and village compliance services, ensuring exceptional standards across the site from day one. You will oversee all hard and soft FM services, working closely with internal teams, contractors and residents to ensure the village runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. You will also be instrumental during the mobilisation phase, supporting the transition from construction to full village operations.
Key Responsibilities- Mobilisation & Village Launch
- Coordinate all facilities-related mobilisation activities for the new village.
- Support commissioning and handover from construction to operations.
- Attend site meetings, track readiness milestones and resolve issues.
- Set up maintenance, cleaning, waste, security and support contracts.
- Establish safety systems including fire procedures, alarms and emergency plans.
- Ensure O&M manuals, warranties and asset registers are complete.
- Recruit and induct team members as the village grows.
- Support resident move-ins and explain services and facilities.
- Facilities & Property Management
- Manage maintenance, housekeeping, grounds and environmental services.
- Deliver planned preventative maintenance programmes.
- Oversee contractors, procurement and project works.
- Maintain village buildings, systems and communal areas to a high standard.
- Drive sustainability initiatives including energy, waste and biodiversity.
- Manage utilities and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Support preparation of properties for resale or rental.
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with statutory and company health & safety standards.
- Manage fire safety systems, emergency call bells, water hygiene and legionella controls.
- Conduct audits, inspections and corrective action plans.
- Promote a strong safety-first culture across the village.
- Leadership & Customer Service
- Lead, motivate and develop onsite teams.
- Build strong relationships with residents and respond professionally to requests.
- Manage rotas, budgets and service performance.
- Create a warm, customer-focused and inclusive working culture.
We are looking for someone practical, organised and confident leading people and operations in a customer-facing environment.
Essential Experience & Qualifications- Facilities Management qualification (Level 2+) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 3 years’ facilities management experience.
- IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent knowledge).
- Strong understanding of fire safety, legionella and compliance.
- Experience managing PPM schedules, contractors and budgets.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft 365 and facilities systems.
- NEBOSH General Certificate.
- Knowledge of plumbing, electrical or building trades.
- Fire Safety Level 2.
- Experience taking pride in high standards and enjoying leading teams.
If you are an experienced Facilities Manager who takes pride in high standards, enjoys leading teams and wants to be part of something new and meaningful, we would love to hear from you!
Facilities Manager in Kings Hill employer: Retirement Villages
Contact Detail:
Retirement Villages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Manager in Kings Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the facilities management field. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in facilities management. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research The Willowbury and understand their values and goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for creating a welcoming community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at The Willowbury. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Manager in Kings Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your facilities management qualifications and any relevant hands-on experience to show us you're the right fit for The Willowbury.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at The Willowbury. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed facilities in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Facilities Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing operations. Make sure to include examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in previous roles, as well as how you've built strong relationships with clients or residents.
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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Retirement Villages
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your facilities management knowledge, especially around health and safety compliance. Familiarise yourself with fire safety protocols and legionella controls, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about times when you motivated staff or resolved conflicts. This is a customer-facing role, so demonstrating your ability to build strong relationships with residents and your team will be key.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face as a Facilities Manager. Prepare to discuss how you would handle issues like maintenance emergencies or resident complaints. Showing that you can think on your feet and have practical solutions will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the village's sustainability initiatives or how they envision the transition from construction to operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.