Facilities & Building Manager in Northampton

This is a key leadership role at the heart of Royal & Derngate - responsible for ensuring our buildings are safe, compliant, efficient and ready to deliver exceptional work every day. As Facilities & Building Manager, you'll lead all aspects of building operations, from maintenance and compliance to security, sustainability and capital projects. You'll take a hands-on approach to managing a complex, multi-use venue, including stewardship of our Grade II listed Royal Theatre.

Working closely with senior colleagues, you'll ensure our spaces not only meet the highest safety and regulatory standards, but also provide a welcoming and well-maintained environment for audiences, artists and staff. This is a role with real breadth and responsibility - overseeing building systems, leading teams, managing contractors and budgets, and playing a key part in future planning and sustainability.

Job Purpose

The Facilities & Building Manager ensures Northampton Theatres Trust operates safely, efficiently and in line with its mission and values. Reporting to the Operations & Commercial Director, the role leads the safe, efficient and compliant operation of Royal & Derngate's buildings, including stewardship of the Grade II listed Royal Theatre. The postholder is responsible for maintaining safe, compliant and welcoming facilities through effective management of building systems, contractors, operational procedures and facilities teams. The role also provides senior keyholder support, responding to building-related incidents where required and supporting the organisation's sustainability and environmental commitments.

Company Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bar & Shop Discount
• Complimentary tickets available on selected shows and films
• Family Friendly Policies

Essential Experience:

• Significant experience in facilities or building management, ideally within a complex, multi-use public building.
• Experience managing planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Demonstrable experience of managing statutory compliance (e.g. fire safety, water hygiene, electrical, H&S).
• Experience of contractor procurement, supervision and performance management.
• Experience of managing and developing staff, including performance reviews and objective setting.
• Experience managing operational budgets and monitoring expenditure.
• Experience responding to incidents and managing building-related emergencies.

Essential Knowledge:

• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent Health & Safety qualification) or willingness to obtain.
• Recognised qualification in Facilities Management, Building Services, Construction, Engineering or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in health & safety or facilities management.

Essential Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of building systems including M&E, BMS, plant and infrastructure.
• Sound understanding of current health & safety, fire safety and premises legislation.
• Ability to lead operational compliance across a complex organisation.
• Practical, hands-on problem-solving approach with strong technical aptitude.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Financial literacy and ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during incidents or emergencies.
• IT proficiency across building management systems and standard office software.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working in a theatre, arts, heritage, hospitality or other customer-facing venue.
• Experience managing a listed or heritage building.
• Experience supporting capital works or refurbishment projects.
• Experience implementing sustainability initiatives within an organisation.
• Experience working with local authorities or regulatory bodies.

Desirable Knowledge:

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IWFM, IOSH).
• Fire Safety qualification (e.g. Fire Risk Assessment training).
• First Aid at Work qualification.
• IOSH Managing Safely (if NEBOSH not held in addition).
• Sustainability or environmental management qualification.

Desirable Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Theatre Green Book standards.
• Experience using facilities management or compliance software systems.
• Knowledge of business continuity planning.
• Understanding of Martyn's Law and its operational implications.

How to Apply:

Please submit a covering letter outlining your interest and how your skills and experience fit the requirements of the role, along with your CV.

Closing Date: Mon 25 May 26

Interviews: Mon 8 June 26