Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction - Banking in Brentwood

Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction - Banking in Brentwood

Brentwood Full-Time 75600 - 92400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead facilities and property management, ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth.
  • Company: Join SmartBank, a Great Place to Work with a culture of excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration across teams.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in banking by optimising facilities and enhancing customer experiences.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred; project management experience in banking is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.

Looking to join a Great Place to Work Employer and become a valued member of our growing team? At SmartBank, we’re not just offering a job; we’re inviting you to be a part of a culture built on excellence.

Mandates and Responsibilities:

  • Champions and upholds the Bank’s Core Values and Core Purpose, ensuring alignment across facilities, real estate, and property management operations.
  • Embodies and promotes the Bank’s operating philosophy by acting with professionalism, sound judgment, and strategic insight in all interactions and decisions.
  • Provides enterprise leadership for facilities, real estate, and property management across the Bank’s footprint, supporting operational excellence, growth, and long‑term strategy.
  • Develops, implements, and oversees a comprehensive facilities and property management program, including preventative maintenance, lifecycle planning, and capital improvement strategies.
  • Conducts and documents regular inspections of all facilities and properties, ensuring assets are maintained to banking, regulatory, and brand standards.
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental, and building regulations, as well as industry and banking standards.
  • Assists in preparation and filing of regulatory approvals related to branch/office openings, closures and/or relocations.
  • Directs space planning and utilization strategies to maximize efficiency, support workforce needs, and optimize real estate investments.
  • Oversees maintenance, repair, and central services operations, including janitorial, utilities, waste management, parking, and building systems, ensuring reliability and cost efficiency.
  • Manages facility renovations, refurbishments, and capital projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, vendors, architects, and contractors.
  • Leads and coordinates office relocations, expansions, consolidations, and intra/inter‑office moves, minimizing business disruption and ensuring continuity of operations.
  • Serves as the primary point of escalation for facility‑related issues, providing timely resolution and a high level of service to internal stakeholders.
  • Oversees the Bank’s real estate portfolio, including owned and leased properties, with accountability for performance, cost management, and risk mitigation.
  • Negotiates, administers, and renews leases for Bank‑leased properties, ensuring favorable terms and alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
  • Negotiates and manages leases with tenants occupying Bank‑owned properties, maximizing asset value and ensuring compliance with lease terms.
  • Partners with Marketing and Brand leadership to ensure consistent branding and facility standards, particularly for new locations and offices acquired through mergers and acquisitions.
  • Supports merger and acquisition activities by leading facilities and real estate due diligence, integration planning, and post‑acquisition transitions.
  • Develops and manages operating and capital budgets for facilities and real estate, ensuring fiscal discipline, transparency, and return on investment.
  • Leads vendor selection, contract negotiations, and performance management, ensuring service quality, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
  • Provides executive‑level reporting and insights on facilities condition, real estate performance, risk exposure, and strategic opportunities.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Facilities Engineering, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Prior project management experience, preferably within a banking or financial services environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Ability to apply knowledge and sound judgment in decision‑making using established guidelines.
  • Detail oriented and ability to function in a team environment.
  • Routinely partners with retail, branch operations, IT, security, legal, finance and brand/marketing on projects.
  • Ability to see projects and goals to completion.
  • Strong supervisory skills.
  • Demonstrates ability to function in a team environment.
  • High level of integrity.
  • Able to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
  • Willing to accept new ideas and methods and be agreeable to change.
  • Proficient level of computer competency including Microsoft Windows (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Work Conditions:

  • Able to routinely stand, sit, bend and stoop.
  • Occasionally lift or carry loads up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time as needed.
  • Frequently and regularly required movements using wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare inspect documents or products and operate machinery.
  • Ability to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
  • Ability to travel frequently.

Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction - Banking in Brentwood employer: SmartBank

At SmartBank, we pride ourselves on being a Great Place to Work, where our commitment to excellence is reflected in our vibrant work culture and supportive environment. As a Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence while enjoying comprehensive benefits and professional growth opportunities. Our collaborative atmosphere encourages innovation and values every team member's contribution, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the banking sector.

S

Contact Details:

SmartBank Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction - Banking in Brentwood

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like SmartBank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Properties, Facilities, and Construction - Banking in Brentwood

Facilities Management
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance
Space Planning
Budget Management
Negotiation Skills
Customer Service Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to SmartBank.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on SmartBank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at SmartBank

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with SmartBank.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at SmartBank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former SmartBank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.