Facilities & HSE Manager - South West in London

Join the vibrant team at Student Castle Property Management Services Ltd (SCPMS), an esteemed player in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation sector. Our unwavering aim is to create a warm and welcoming "home away from home" experience for all our student residents.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To implement a framework for and provide leadership on the maintenance of building infrastructure including structure, building envelope, internal fabric and mechanical & electrical services across our schemes nationally.
• Determine maintenance policy, strategy and objectives linked to organisational objectives and whole life considerations.
• Implementing maintenance policy through establishing maintenance plans – to ensure agreed availability at a minimum resource cost.
• Providing advice and recommendations on issues relating to the management of maintenance policy.
• Develop and implement systems that will measure the performance of the maintenance organisation.
• Interpret results from performance measurement of the maintenance organisation and provide reasoned advice and recommendations.
• Co-ordinate, record and audit the delivery of all Planned and Preventative (PPM) and statutory maintenance across the schemes.
• Work alongside local managers and staff to ensure a responsive, high quality reactive maintenance is delivered across the scheme.
• Oversee both in-house and outsourced technical and maintenance functions, always ensuring the highest quality of service.
• Provide advice, support, monitoring and instruction for local facilities staff in the schemes in their discharge of facilities-related activities including, but not limited to, fire alarm testing, fire door inspections, operation of M&E systems (CCTV, BMS, access control etc), and liaison with contractors.
• Act as the point of contact for locally delivered FM activities including action of recommendations arising from fire risk assessments, water hygiene risk assessments, health & safety audits and other external inspections.
• Ensure that all necessary staff are sufficiently trained and familiar with building infrastructure and hard services at the level required to discharge their duties.
• Ensure local arrangements and critical spares are in place to deal with unplanned interruptions to essential building services.
• Provide regular reports to senior management related to the status of the schemes, any associated risks and recommendations for lifecycle planning and capital expenditure.
• Preparing cost reports or monitoring maintenance/capital and operating budgets, on works progress, showing any deviation from expected progress or expenditure.
• Creation and implementation of lifecycle plans alongside relevant colleagues.
• Determine and implement the type of maintenance regime and organisation that is required, including CAFM/BIM requirements.

Procurement

• Constantly explore opportunities to drive cost efficiencies via in sourcing vs outsourced solutions to deliver best in class services in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
• Determine appropriate contract strategies.
• Identify opportunities for service level improvements and cost savings.
• Manage the tender process.
• Manage contracts and resolve disputes.

Health & Safety & Compliance

• Lead and monitor health, safety & compliance activities across the organisation in accordance with all relevant legislation.
• Liaise with and provide guidance for local scheme staff and other relevant colleagues on H&S matters including the impact of design on operations, current legislation and embedding a positive health and safety culture.
• Implement local procedures for the management of significant risks including those related to fire, asbestos, water hygiene.
• Ensure the Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting Procedure is followed locally and lead on the initial, first-stage investigation of incidents as required.
• Coordinate the organisation and evaluation of fire evacuation drills and testing of emergency procedures.
• Carry out regular inspections and H&S audits across the schemes and ensure findings are actioned accordingly.
• Drive the continuous improvement of H&S management systems and compliance standards across the schemes.
• Review and maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures relative to facilities management activities at scheme level, using standardised templates.
• Proactively review competency levels and training requirements of scheme management teams.
• Increase H&S awareness and promote a positive H&S culture throughout the local teams including the delivery of toolbox talks.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities as required including HSE, local authorities, Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Services.

Project Management & Development

• Support and assist in the delivery of project works throughout the schemes including refurbishments, major works, building improvements and CapEx.
• Provide input on data collection exercises feeding into project specification including local finishes and condition of building elements.
• Advising on the need for statutory and other consents and approvals.
• Completing of Design Risk Assessments of the proposed designs, to satisfy the requirements of the regulations, in connection with the future maintenance of the building.
• Review O&M and handover documentation related to the above ensuring that day-to-day estate operations are adapted as required.
• Lead on all facilities management areas during onboarding/mobilisation of new schemes.
• Assist on any ad-hoc tasks as required by the supervisor.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a proactive and safety-focused Facilities or Health & Safety professional to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of building health and safety practices and a background in facilities management, with at least two years' experience in a similar role. You'll be confident managing contractors, knowledgeable about safety management systems, and committed to promoting a culture of safe working. A clean driving licence and access to a car are essential.

We're seeking someone who is self-motivated, disciplined, and committed to ongoing professional development, with a passion for coaching others and maintaining high safety standards. Desirable qualifications include NEBOSH or IOSH certification, familiarity with ISO 18001/14001/9001 standards, and professional memberships such as IOSH, IFE, FPA, or IWFM. Experience within the PBSA sector, along with skills in training others, developing processes, conducting audits, and staying current with legislation and best practice, will be highly valued.