Senior Facilities Operations Manager. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs

An educational institution is hiring for a Senior Facilities Manager. You will be joining a prestigious, high‑profile educational and cultural institution based in central London. The organisation operates in a vibrant, public‑facing environment with multiple buildings, busy footfall, and a year‑round schedule of events, performances, and community activity. With a strong commitment to excellence, safety, and an exceptional user experience, the organisation places its Estates team at the heart of its operations. You’ll be part of a dedicated professional community that supports students, staff, and thousands of visitors each year.

Role Summary

As Senior Facilities Manager, you will be responsible for the smooth day‑to‑day running of all operational estates services across several sites. Reporting into the Director of Finance, you will manage a broad remit including building maintenance, security, soft services, health & safety, and contractor management. You will lead operational teams, set clear priorities, and ensure exceptional service delivery across the estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering the Estates strategy and overseeing all operational activity.
• Managing hard and soft service providers, ensuring SLA and KPI performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Overseeing all security operations – including access control, key management, CCTV, and out‑of‑hours incident response.
• Working closely with the Health & Safety Manager to ensure compliance and robust risk management.
• Managing contracts across mechanical, electrical, fire services and other critical building systems.
• Maintaining asset registers and operational documentation.
• Leading and monitoring project work within the Estates remit.
• Overseeing budgets, procurement processes, and ensuring value for money across all external contracts.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Essential

• Significant experience in Estates or Facilities Management, ideally in a public‑facing environment.
• Strong leadership skills with proven experience managing large, multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers, and outsourced teams.
• Ability to prioritise, make quick decisions, and take ownership of issues from start to finish.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Strong technical understanding of building operations and maintenance.
• A customer‑focused approach with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels.
• A good general education, including GCSE Maths and English (A‑C or equivalent).
• Health & Safety knowledge (IOSH/NEBOSH desirable).
• IWFM or degree‑level FM qualification (desirable).

Desirable

• Listed building knowledge.
• Maintenance experience.
• Experience in Higher Education or performing arts venues.
• Procurement and change management experience.
• AutoCAD LT skills.
• Knowledge of framework procurement (e.g., LUPC).

What You’ll Get in Return

You will join a respected and genuinely inspiring organisation where your work directly contributes to the experience of students, staff, and the wider public. You’ll have the opportunity to lead an engaged team, shape the future of the facilities function, and take ownership of meaningful operational and project work. A collaborative, supportive working culture. Opportunities for professional development. Exposure to unique and dynamic estates challenges. The chance to work in a vibrant environment that hosts hundreds of public events each year. Competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Information

To apply, please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV. For further enquiries, contact the hiring team for a confidential discussion about your career. This opportunity is for an experienced facilities professional looking to make a real impact in a high‑profile London setting.