Facilities Manager

The Charleston Trust; Lewes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural trust in the UK is seeking a Facilities Manager to ensure a safe and well-maintained environment across its two sites. The role involves managing day-to-day operations, overseeing maintenance, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and handling supplier relationships. Applicants should have experience in facilities management and a hands-on approach to repairs. This position is full-time and requires some evening and weekend work.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing facilities and operations.
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to carry out minor repairs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of facilities.
• Manage budgets for operations and utilities.
• Lead health and safety reviews and compliance.

Skills

Building maintenance management

Health and safety compliance

Budget management

Supplier and contract management

Hands-on repairs

Job description

Reporting to: CEO

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £27,700 - £33,800 pro rata

Hours: 35 hours per week. On site. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Location: Charleston in Firle (BN8 6LL) & Charleston in Lewes (BN7 1FB)

The Facilities Manager will ensure a safe, well‑maintained, and welcoming environment across Charleston’s two sites at Firle and in central Lewes. The postholder will oversee the day‑to‑day facilities operations of both sites, including security, building maintenance and health & safety procedures. This role requires the post holder to carry out physically demanding tasks such as moving furniture and other manual handling.

Duties and responsibilities

Operations and facilities

• Responsibility for the management of Charleston’s buildings and facilities.
• Coordinate and oversee cleaning, maintenance, utilities, and supplies, ensuring smooth, cost‑effective operations.
• Manage supplier and contract relationships including waste management, building maintenance, cleaning and security; review chosen suppliers against Charleston’s criteria including value for money.
• Act as the main contact for tenants and ensure efficient resolution of queries.
• Oversee the relationship with the external IT provider to ensure organisational IT requirements are met and value for money achieved.
• Work closely with the Head of Collections and Research and Head of Exhibitions to maintain excellent environmental conditions for the protection of the house and objects.
• Proactively improve the sites in collaboration with the Visitor Experience Manager, leading on wayfinding, sustainability, and access initiatives.
• Actively manage and monitor the annual operations and utilities budgets, seeking cost savings and service improvements through regular contract reviews.
• Maintain records to ensure any discrepancies are followed up, allowing pro‑active, timely review of invoices.

Site maintenance

• Schedule and manage routine, preventative, and emergency maintenance.
• Ensure regular inspections of plant and equipment to deliver safe operational standards, documenting results and addressing concerns proactively.
• Carry out maintenance requirements and lead on scheduling external contractors as required.
• Hands‑on approach with the ability and willingness to carry out minor repairs and fixes as needed.
• Actively manage and monitor the budget for site maintenance.
• Research and source cost‑effective and sustainable materials and supplies.
• Maintain records to allow proactive timely review of invoices and follow up of any discrepancies.

Health and Safety

• Lead annual health and safety reviews and ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Support the development of comprehensive method statements and risk assessments for all areas of work throughout the gallery, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Carry out operational maintenance work identified by Health and Safety assessments.
• Attend and contribute to monthly Health & Safety meetings.
• Work with the Visitor Experience Manager to ensure all facilities are accessible and inclusive for visitors with additional needs.

Emergency and security procedures

• Act as a keyholder and respond to emergency callouts as required.
• Manage building security systems and records and serve as Fire Marshal.
• Lead staff inductions on emergency and security procedures.

General duties

• To act at all times in the best interests of Charleston.
• Ensure that data capture, storage and processing related to finance and resources activity complies with Charleston’s policies and GDPR regulations.
• Undertake any other duties as agreed with your Line Manager.
• Work flexibly to best meet the needs of the organisation.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder will be expected to take on additional tasks when required; these tasks will be in keeping with the general profile of the role.