Building Services Manager

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local cultural organization in Manchester is seeking a Facilities Manager to oversee the operation and management of gallery buildings. The ideal candidate will have line management experience in a cultural environment, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of health and safety protocols. This full-time, permanent position offers generous leave, a competitive pension, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Brilliant pension scheme

Enhanced family leave options

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• 2 years' line management experience in a cultural or heritage environment.
• Ability to react effectively to unforeseen changing circumstances.
• Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• First Aid at Work certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Manage operation of gallery facilities ensuring safety and security.
• Conduct building checks and ensure compliance with policies.
• Manage contractors on site and provide operational management.

Skills

Line management experience

Excellent communication

Health and safety knowledge

First Aid at Work certificate

Education

IOSH or equivalent certification

Job description

Overview

Manchester Art Gallery Building Services Managers operate across the gallery estate, under the guidance of the Operations Manager, to provide effective operation of the gallery buildings for staff, visitors and building users, and to safeguard the gallery’s collection.

The role holder will have accountability for the organisation and performance management of facilities management activities which may include the management of staff, finances or physical resources. You will be responsible for the management of regular rota-ed building, gallery and collection checks, ensuring any potential threats are identified and reported. This includes checking for hazards, risks to people or collections, and carrying out routine safety checks. You will be a key-holder for all gallery sites, opening and closing the buildings, ensuring that all staff follow operational policies and procedures, acting as fire marshal and providing primary first-aid support.

In addition, you will:

• Manage the tidiness and presentation of the building in line with good housekeeping and full compliance with fire, security and health and safety requirements.
• Manage contractors on site, ensuring appropriate levels of safety and security are maintained, especially outside normal working hours.
• Provide essential operational management for the gallery's out of hours events business.
• Provide first point of contact for call-out for all gallery buildings on a rolling rota with other members of the Operations Team.

Working hours: 35 hours per week (7 day week rota). Contract type: Full-Time, Permanent. Additional payments: 10% Flexibility Payment. Closing Date: 01 October 2025. Closing time: 11:59pm. Interview Method: Face to Face.

About the Candidate / Qualifications and Experience

• We’re looking for a dynamic, responsible, and reliable person who is passionate about working in a museum or gallery as part of a close-working team.
• You should have 2 years' line management experience, ideally in a cultural or heritage environment.
• You should have a positive can-do attitude with the ability to react effectively to unforeseen changing circumstances.
• You should be an excellent communicator with attention to detail who can pass on information clearly and accurately, listen to others, and deal calmly with challenging situations.
• You should have an up-to-date good working knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures and fire safety, and practice continuous professional development in this area. Ideally holding IOSH or equivalent or willing to work towards within 6 months of appointment.
• Have a First Aid at Work certificate or be willing to undertake qualification.
• Understanding of the operation and maintenance of historic buildings and/or museums.
• Outline how you meet the Key Behaviours, Skills and Technical Requirements outlined in the Role Profile when applying.

How to Apply and Support

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Rebecca Martin, at [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Our vision, Our Manchester, guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through our values and behaviours.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance: up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years; buy up to two additional weeks.
• Brilliant pension: enrolled in the local government pension scheme with life cover of three-times salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave and other family leave options.
• Discounts and perks through MCR+ including holidays, shopping and more.
• Learning and development opportunities, onboarding and progression.
• Good Employment Charter with fair pay and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave per year (pro-rated).

Pre-employment checks and other information: We require evidence of right to work in the UK, references, qualifications, and may include DBS check, BPSS clearance, driving licence where applicable. We are a Disability Confident Employer and provide adjustments during the recruitment process. For more information about the role, read the role profile attached.