Group Facilities Manager

The Group Facilities Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the organisation's physical workplace estate across all jurisdictions, including any new locations entered as the business grows. The role ensures every office provides a professional, safe, and welcoming environment for employees and clients, while managing costs effectively and planning ahead for future expansion.

Alongside day‑to‑day facilities operations, the position carries a significant project dimension. As the Group continues to grow organically and through acquisition, the Group Facilities Manager leads office search, fit‑out, relocation, and consolidation projects, working closely with local leadership and central functions to ensure the workplace strategy keeps pace with commercial ambitions.

Reporting to the Group COO, the role requires balancing operational rigour with commercial pragmatism, maintaining consistent standards across a diverse, multi‑jurisdictional portfolio while respecting local regulations, requirements, and cultures. Regular travel across Group jurisdictions is required.

Key Responsibilities

🏢 Office Strategy & Planning

Develop and maintain a Group‑wide workplace strategy aligned to headcount forecasts, growth plans, and operational needs.

Monitor occupancy, lease profiles, and space utilisation, identifying where intervention is needed.

Provide data‑driven recommendations to senior leadership on investments, consolidations, expansions, and relocations.

Ensure the office estate reflects the organisation's brand, professionalism, and employee/client experience standards.

Maintain awareness of property market conditions to inform lease and acquisition decisions.

🛠 Office Projects & Relocations

Lead end‑to‑end office projects including searches, lease negotiations, fit‑outs, relocations, and decommissioning.

Manage project budgets, timelines, and third‑party suppliers.

Coordinate with IT, Compliance, and People teams to ensure new/refurbished offices meet all requirements.

Support post‑acquisition integration by assessing facilities positions and developing alignment plans.

Ensure compliance with local planning, building, health & safety, and environmental regulations.

🔧 Day‑to‑Day Facilities Management

Oversee operational management of all offices, ensuring consistently high standards.

Establish Group‑wide facilities policies covering maintenance, cleaning, security, access control, H&S, continuity, and sustainability.

Manage relationships with landlords, managing agents, and service providers.

Ensure compliance with local H&S and fire safety requirements, maintaining documentation and inspection schedules.

Act as the primary contact for facilities issues, ensuring timely resolution.

Oversee reception and front‑of‑house standards to ensure a professional client experience.

💰 Cost Management & Budgeting

Own and manage the Group facilities budget, including rent, rates, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and project spend.

Track and report on facilities costs, identifying opportunities for savings and contract consolidation.

Support annual budgeting and forecasting with Finance.

Negotiate lease terms and supplier agreements to secure best value.

Maintain visibility of total occupancy cost to support strategic decisions.

👥 Employee & Client Experience

Champion the quality of the physical workplace as a key part of the employee value proposition.

Gather and act on employee feedback regarding workplace environment and amenities.

Ensure offices support modern, flexible working practices, including hybrid‑friendly spaces.

Maintain high standards in client‑facing areas to ensure a consistent professional experience.

🤝 Vendor & Supplier Management

Manage a diverse portfolio of facilities vendors across multiple jurisdictions.

Establish SLAs, conduct performance reviews, and benchmark service quality.

Ensure governance across vendor relationships, including contract management and compliance checks.

Coordinate with legal teams where required.

Business Continuity & Risk

Ensure all offices have appropriate business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.

Maintain and test emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and crisis protocols.

Identify and manage facilities‑related risks, escalating where appropriate.

Ensure adequate insurance coverage for all properties and contents.

Key Competencies & Skills

Significant experience in facilities management, workplace strategy, or corporate real estate in a multi‑site environment.

Proven track record delivering office relocation, fit‑out, or consolidation projects.

Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership and lease negotiation.

Excellent organisational and project management skills across multiple geographies.

Strong understanding of H&S, fire safety, and building compliance (IOSH, NEBOSH, IWFM desirable).

Ability to work effectively across cultures and jurisdictions.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, credible with senior stakeholders.

Hands‑on, pragmatic, comfortable operating strategically and operationally.

Experience supporting post‑acquisition integration is advantageous.

Experience in financial or professional services is desirable.

Comfortable with frequent international travel and flexible working hours.

Strong customer service orientation and commitment to high standards.