PFI Regional Operations Manager

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Regional Operations Manager – PFI Sector

Position Overview

The Regional Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of multiple PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts across a designated geographic region. This role ensures consistent service excellence, contract compliance, financial performance, and client satisfaction across all assigned facilities within the PFI portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple PFI sites, ensuring delivery of all hard and /or soft facilities management services in accordance with contract specifications and output-based performance requirements. Monitor service delivery standards, conduct regular site inspections, and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance with PFI payment mechanisms and performance deductions frameworks.

Contract Compliance & Performance

Ensure full adherence to contractual obligations, output specifications, and KPIs across the regional portfolio. Manage performance monitoring systems, coordinate response to non-availability deductions, and maintain comprehensive compliance documentation for authority representatives and lenders' technical advisors. Prepare regular performance reports demonstrating achievement against availability and performance metrics.

Financial Management

Manage regional P&L responsibility, controlling operational budgets, lifecycle replacement programs, and PPM schedules to optimize financial performance while maintaining service standards. Work with finance teams to forecast expenditure, manage variations, and ensure accurate cost allocation across the portfolio. Balance short-term operational costs with long-term lifecycle obligations inherent in PFI structures.

Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management

Serve as primary operational contact for procuring authorities, managing regular contract review meetings, addressing escalations, and maintaining productive partnerships with public sector clients. Coordinate with SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) boards, equity investors, and funders as required, representing operational performance and investment requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop site-based facilities managers and operational teams across the region. Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and build capability to deliver complex PFI requirements. Foster a culture of service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure rigorous H&S standards across all sites, maintaining compliance with CDM regulations, fire safety requirements, and sector-specific standards (particularly in healthcare and education environments). Coordinate statutory inspections, audits, and remedial programs.

Lifecycle & Capital Planning

Maintain a strong working relationship with the Lifecycle Manager to ensure lifecycle strategies and replacement programmes are effectively integrated with operational delivery. Support the planning and execution of capital investment initiatives, ensuring facilities continue to meet performance, compliance, and customer requirements throughout the concession term. Contribute operational insight to asset management decisions and facilitate the successful delivery of lifecycle projects across the portfolio.

Risk Management & Business Continuity

Identify operational risks, implement mitigation strategies, and maintain robust business continuity plans for critical facilities. Manage incident response, coordinate major remedial works, and ensure minimal disruption to public services.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Significant facilities management experience within PFI, PPP, or long-term complex contracts
• Proven track record managing multiple sites and substantial operational budgets
• Deep understanding of output-based specifications and payment mechanisms
• Strong commercial acumen with P&L management experience
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, particularly with public sector clients
• Thorough knowledge of relevant FM standards (CAFM, IWFM, BIFM) and regulatory frameworks

Desirable:

• IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management) qualification or equivalent
• Experience in relevant PFI sectors (healthcare, education, custodial, defence, accommodation)
• Understanding of SPV governance structures and project finance principles
• IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualification
• Experience with major PFI contractors or FM service providers

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and operational planning | Financial acumen and commercial awareness | Leadership and people development | Client relationship management | Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure | Stakeholder engagement and influencing | Contract and compliance expertise | Change management and continuous improvement

Travel Requirements

Regional travel required to cover assigned portfolio of PFI sites, with occasional national travel for corporate meetings and training.