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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations for building services across 400+ council properties.
- Company: Public sector client based in Brighton with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public facilities while ensuring compliance and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree or technical qualification in Facilities or Building Services; NEBOSH certification preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and collaboration.
Our large, public sector, Brighton based client are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager on an initial interim basis.
Job purpose
To be responsible for health and safety, financial, and procurement related compliance in relation to all hard services contractual functions which includes Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and building services that includes Mechanical & Electrical (M&E), plumbing and drainage, and building fabric across circa 400+ council buildings and assets used by a range of internal and external customers. To lead and develop an in-house contract management and maintenance team, driving continuous improvement to match the changing needs of internal customers and ensuring best value for money outcomes in conjunction with other property related teams.
Principal accountabilities
- Direct line management and accountability for the performance management of an operational team of professionals, leading the provision of Facility Services, delivery and customer relationship management of all relevant traded services providing a core offer of services.
- To be responsible for specifying, procuring, execution, supervision and monitoring of Building Services contracts across Council sectors e.g. Education, Civic (Public) and Social Care properties ensuring compliance by contractors and relevant Council staff under the Council Policies and associated legislation for audit purposes and the production of relevant reports for senior management.
- Production of monthly performance reports to senior officers detailing statutory compliance and remedial works status, trends, current business risks and mitigation to demonstrate compliance with legislation and to allow business decisions to be made.
- To design and specify Building Services activities and works, prepare specifications, schedules of work and schedules of condition. Obtain, appraise and recommend acceptance of tenders, prepare contract documents, drawings, inspect and supervise activities works.
- To supervise and administer contracts in accordance with the Council’s standing orders and financial regulations.
- To be accountable and financially responsible for all related building services management, ensuring that all management including financial processes, are carried out as per Council Policies and associate regulations. Implement and monitor appropriate Building Services management contracts, activities and works, effectively prioritising, produce financial plans and implement and monitor such activities and works.
- To manage and monitor compliance related disciplines, ensuring all systems are compliant according to policies and regulations.
- To manage and monitor the ongoing service delivery of Building Services to ensure the needs of the Council and Department are met in the most efficient and cost-efficient manner while securing sustainability. Working closely and collaboratively with Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Building Services colleagues and other internal and external key stakeholders securing continuous improvement in Building Services Management.
- Provide technical advice to and liaise with all relevant colleagues and teams to ensure a collaborative approach to finding sustainable and cost effective solutions whilst utilising new technological and equipment opportunities.
- To ensure comprehensive Building Services related records are maintained and stored appropriately to comply with all Health, Safety, Wellbeing, procurement, legal, financial and insurance legislative requirements and to enable pro-active information sharing and facilitate strategic decision making.
- To construct, implement and conduct a regular programme of audits of contract provider service quality, evidencing value for money and relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in line with council policies and relevant procurement legislation, ensuring the implementation of any improvements required in service delivery, and to negotiate any evidenced KPI and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) financial penalties that might result from the audits.
Person specification
- Knowledge and understanding of sustainability, carbon reduction and circular economy and how these can be applied in Facilities and building management.
- Degree or appropriate technical qualification at a higher level, such as BTECH HNC/HND in a Facilities or Building Services related discipline or equivalent experience.
- Membership to an appropriate professional body such as IWFM; IFMA; MRICS; CABE; CIBSE; MCIOB, ICE or similar or equivalent experience.
- NEBOSH general certificate or equivalent experience.
- Excellent knowledge of all relevant UK Health & Safety legislation.
If you feel you have the right skills and experience, please apply straight away.
Operations Manager employer: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
SOLOS Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in public sector operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around compliance and sustainability in building services.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and improved service delivery in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in health and safety, financial compliance, and procurement. We want to see how your skills match the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples from your past that relate to managing building services and leading teams.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or saved costs in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at SOLOS Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to building services. Familiarise yourself with the specific compliance requirements for HVAC systems and other mechanical services. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your management style and past experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team through challenges or implemented improvements. This will help demonstrate your capability to drive continuous improvement and manage performance effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about contract management and procurement processes. Be ready to explain how you would approach specifying and procuring building services contracts. Having a clear understanding of financial planning and compliance will also be crucial, so brush up on these areas before the interview.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with different teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and worked towards common goals, especially in a public sector context. This will highlight your ability to work effectively within a diverse environment.
