Business Unit Head

ICES: Data, Discovery, Better Health; Dartford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ICES: Data, Discovery, Better Health in Dartford seeks a Business Unit Head for Hard Facilities Management to lead multi-site education-sector FM operations. You will drive strategy, safety, lifecycle maintenance and contract performance while stewarding budgets and client relationships.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will manage a multidisciplinary team, ensure compliance with HTM/SFG20/DfE standards, and deliver KPI/SLAs across portfolios.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in FM.
• Technical qualifications in engineering or building services.
• Strong understanding of health & safety regulations.
• Excellent financial acumen and contract management skills.
• Strategic thinker capable of leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with CAFM systems and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of Hard FM services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building fabric maintenance
• Lead a team of technical and operational professionals, ensuring optimal workforce performance and development
• Ensure compliance with statutory and contractual obligations (e.g. SFG20, HTM, and DfE guidelines)
• Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs and SLAs for multiple educational institutions
• Manage financial performance: budget control, forecasting, cost-saving initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the main point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on safety, sustainability, and service quality
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programs and reactive works delivery
• Lead on mobilisation and transition of new contracts when applicable

Skills

FM leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Health & safety awareness

CAFM systems

Education

Degree in Facilities Management/Engineering

IOSH/NEBOSH certification

BIFM/CIBSE membership

HNC/HND or NVQ Level 4+

Tools

CAFM systems

Contract management software

Job description

Job Title: Business Unit Head – Hard Facilities Management

Location: Dartford

Reporting to: Operations Director / Managing Director

Purpose of the Role

The Business Unit Head will spearhead the strategic and operational leadership of Hard FM services across a portfolio of education sector contracts. With a focus on delivering excellent building maintenance, compliance, and lifecycle services, this role ensures that facilities run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with educational standards and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of Hard FM services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building fabric maintenance
• Lead a team of technical and operational professionals, ensuring optimal workforce performance and development
• Ensure compliance with statutory and contractual obligations (e.g. SFG20, HTM, and DfE guidelines)
• Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs and SLAs for multiple educational institutions
• Manage financial performance: budget control, forecasting, cost-saving initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the main point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on safety, sustainability, and service quality
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programs and reactive works delivery
• Lead on mobilisation and transition of new contracts when applicable

Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience in FM.
• Technical qualifications in engineering or building services (e.g. HNC/HND, NVQ Level 4+, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of health & safety regulations, compliance standards, and asset lifecycle management
• Excellent financial acumen and contract management skills
• Strategic thinker with ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities
• Familiarity with CAFM systems and industry best practices

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Facilities Management, Engineering, or a related field
• IOSH / NEBOSH certification (preferred)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. BIFM, CIBSE)

What Success Looks Like

• Efficient, compliant, and sustainable operations across all sites
• High levels of client satisfaction and contract retention
• Empowered and high-performing teams
• Continuous innovation and process improvement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability