Business Unit Head

APT TALENT SOLUTIONS LTD; Dartford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading M&E Building Services provider is seeking an experienced Business Unit Head to lead operations within the education sector. This role focuses on ensuring efficient Hard FM services delivery, compliance with regulations, and maintaining strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership experience, technical qualifications, and strong financial acumen. This position offers an opportunity to drive continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in FM, preferably in education.
• Technical qualifications like HNC/HND, NVQ Level 4+ required.
• Strong understanding of compliance standards and asset management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Hard FM services including maintenance and compliance.
• Lead a team to ensure optimal performance and development.
• Manage financial performance including budget control and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership in FM

Technical qualifications in engineering

Understanding of health & safety regulations

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Familiarity with CAFM systems

Education

Degree in Facilities Management or Engineering

Job description

?Business Unit Head

Location: Dartford

Purpose of the Role

My client, a leading M&E Building Services provider, are seeking an experienced Business Unit Head for their Education sector contracts. 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, preferably in the education sector
• 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