Director of Facilities and Operations in London

We are seeking a commercially minded Director of Facilities and Operations (F&O) to offer strategic leadership and oversee the effective management of our Facilities and Operations Department. The F&O Department plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of our London and Brussels offices with a focus on Safety, Security, Business Continuity and Service Excellence. This position requires exceptional people management and organisational skills as well as extensive expertise in property and facilities management. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the F&O department and its budget whilst overseeing a wide range of services delivered by both the internal team and specialist contractors. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and collaborating closely with senior stakeholders across the partnership, this senior role has oversight and responsibility for a comprehensive portfolio of services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Be a trusted partner to the COO and the partnership and collaborate closely with senior stakeholders across Business Services and the Legal Groups. Communicate clearly and transparently in day-to-day interactions with stakeholders as well as during incidents and escalations.
• Compliance & Risk: Own the premises elements of the Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Plan including ensuring resilience of critical systems, alternative workspace plans, 24/7 on-call arrangements and crisis management protocols. Ensure those plans are thoroughly tested and robust and are created and delivered in partnership with all relevant functions and external providers. Assure compliance with all relevant frameworks applicable in the UK and Belgium i.e. Health and Safety at Work, Fire Safety legislation, Building Safety Act, Equality Act, ESOS/SECR. Provide oversight of our third-party physical security provider to ensure we meet contractual obligations and firm standards. Maintain security policies for premises and act as a senior escalation point. Be the responsible Person/Duty Holder as required by the partnership.
• Strategic & Financial Management: Develop and implement short- and long-term premises strategies and operating models that address our business needs, hybrid working, ESG goals, and statutory and regulatory requirements. Own and lead on the relationship with our landlord(s) ensuring that we comply with our statutory lease obligations and mitigate any risk to our employees and clients. Collaborate with the Procurement team to implement effective contract management practices, taking the lead on ensuring that we achieve value and service excellence through our strategic third-party partnerships. Work closely with the Finance function and the Project Governance Group (and related functions) to scope OPEX projects ensuring that projects and initiatives are delivered on time and in line with the F&O budget. Ensure that the F&O department use SLAs and KPIs to drive and monitor performance and to ensure we nurture a culture of continuous improvement ensuring ethical and safe contractor management and practices. Deliver on our net zero commitments and lead premises-related energy, carbon, water and waste programmes ensuring KPIs are being set and achieved.
• Team Leadership: Create and develop an F&O team who are high performing, empowered and feel accountable to deliver the departments guiding principles of Safety, Security, Business Continuity and Service Excellence. Be a visible role model for the department and the wider firm, championing change and demonstrating our values whilst cultivating continuous improvement and collaboration across the department and the firm.
• Operational Oversight: Drive the smooth delivery of all aspects of the day-to-day operation to an exceptional standard. Deliver a great client and workplace experience which is commensurate with the high standards of the firm. Assure reliable operation of all MEP systems (HVAC, electrical, life safety, lifts), BMS, critical power and water hygiene, whilst also ensuring that we deliver high quality soft services. Ensure that our critical environments remain a key focus area in partnership with our Technology team. Lead MAC programmes and workplace change with minimal disruption to our employees and our clients.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Senior leadership and technical experience in premises and facilities management ideally with international exposure.
• Successful oversight of large operations, capital projects, and governance.
• Solid knowledge of UK/EU/Belgian compliance regulations.
• Strong financial acumen with a commercial mindset.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and transparent communication.
• Skilled in third-party vendor management.
• Experience with CAFM/IWMS, BMS, asset/compliance systems, and data-driven reporting.
• Crisis management specialist focused on operational resilience.
• Expertise in programme and project management.
• A commitment to inclusive leadership, accessibility, wellbeing, and ESG.

Qualifications & Certifications

• IWFM Level 5/6 (or equivalent).
• NEBOSH General Certificate (or higher) / IOSH.
• Degree in Facilities/Engineering/Building Services (or equivalent).
• Desirable: MRICS, CIBSE, security/BCP credentials; language skills (French/Dutch) beneficial for Belgium.

We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.