FM Business Partner

The Norwich BioScience Institutes; Colney; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership seeks a proactive FM Business Partner to enhance facilities management. The role involves strategic stakeholder engagement, overseeing compliance, and ensuring high-quality service delivery within a collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will help integrate facilities management with operational needs at the Earlham Institute and others, driving improvements and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Recreational facilities

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Building Safety Act 2023 and fire regulations.
• Proven experience in facilities management, particularly hard services.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary liaison for facilities-related issues and strategic planning.
• Oversee contractor performance and compliance with SLAs.
• Manage incident response and business continuity planning.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Contract Management

Performance Monitoring

Business Systems Proficiency

Education

Relevant qualification in Facilities Management

Health & Safety Qualification (e.g., IOSH)

Technical Hard Services Qualification

Tools

Business Systems Software (e.g., Concept Evolution, Planon)

Microsoft Office

Job description

The NBI Partnership (NBIP) provides non-scientific services to research institutes based on the Norwich Research Park, a globally recognised centre for bioscience innovation. The park is home to leading research institutes - including the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) - supporting cutting-edge research in food security, health, and environmental sustainability. NBIP provides the facilities management (FM) services to the JIC’s, TSL’s and EI’s estates and buildings.

The FM Business Partner serves as the primary link between facilities management, the helpdesk, and key internal stakeholders. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality facilities services, maintaining compliance with operational standards, and optimising service performance. The role involves strategic planning, workplace audits, performance monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement to enhance operational efficiency.

FM Business Partner – Embedded Support for Earlham Institute (EI)
Additionally, the FM Business Partner plays a vital, embedded role within the Earlham Institute (EI), aligning closely with its operational and business support teams to deliver a seamless, high-quality facilities management (FM) service. Co-located at EI, this role ensures proactive ownership of the building’s FM needs, working collaboratively with EI teams to foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and partnership.

By integrating FM services into EI’s daily operations, the Business Partner supports the institute’s ambition to be an exemplar in facilities management and workplace quality. They drive a commitment to first-fix solutions, workplace ownership, health and safety, and effective contractor management. Through close collaboration, they enhance the institute’s environment, ensuring it remains a high-performing and well-maintained space for research and innovation.

The FM Business Partner ensures seamless operations across NBIP, JIC/TSL and EI by coordinating essential services and key institutional relationships, including:
• Maintenance Operations – Working closely with the Operations Team to ensure Building infrastructure remains functional and compliant, undertaking workplace and compliance audits across the JIC/TSL and EI building portfolios. Supporting maintenance operations in forward planning and maintenance shutdowns.
• Facilities Helpdesk & Business Systems System – Working hand in glove with the Facilities Helpdesk, monitoring fault reporting, work requests, and service coordination. Acting as a single point of contact for complex or escalated facilities issues.
• Project Management – Supporting capital and operational projects. Supporting building users in developing project specifications and business cases.
• Contract Administration and service delivery – Overseeing service delivery for security, catering, waste management, insurance, cleaning and more. Working closely with associated managers and stakeholders to ensure adherence to KPIs and agreed SLAs.
• Energy & Environmental Management – Supporting sustainability initiatives, Staff engagement and efficiency improvements.

A key aspect of this role includes NBIP Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Incident Management, ensuring facilities-related disruptions are managed effectively and recovery plans are in place.

Additionally, the FM Business Partner plays a crucial role in project handovers, ensuring smooth transitions to operations, workplace policy updates, asset information integration, and Business Systems system updates.

This role is well-suited for a strategic thinker with strong stakeholder management skills and extensive experience in hard services and facilities management. The post holder will be required to deputise for the Facilities Hub Manager as and when required.

Key Relationships

Internal: Facilities Hub Manager (Line Manager), Helpdesk & Business Systems Supervisor (Close working relationship), FM Support Services Team, Maintenance & Operations Teams, Institute Operational and Lab Managers & Building Users, Senior Institutional Stakeholders, and EI’s Business Support team.

External: Service Providers & Contractors, Regulatory Bodies & Compliance Inspectors.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management
• Act as the primary liaison for all facilities-related issues, engaging with stakeholders across research institutes, technical teams, and leadership.
• Lead and manage Facilities Incident Response and NBIP Business Continuity Planning (BCP), ensuring all documentation remains up-to-date and aligned with operational needs. Be part of the Institutes BCP and Incident teams.
• Develop and implement strategic coordination plans for maintenance, compliance, and projects, ensuring alignment with the Institutes’ research and operational goals and NBIP’s objectives.
• Provide consultative support to the research institutes on facilities and operational matters, including project scoping and business case development.
• Ensure facilities services are delivered efficiently, within budget, and in compliance with SLAs. Business Continuity Planning (BCP) & Incident Management
• Develop, maintain, and implement comprehensive NBIP BCP strategies to mitigate FM operational disruptions.
• Establish and test incident response protocols, ensuring readiness for emergencies such as power outages, system failures, or critical equipment breakdowns.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure facilities resilience and timely recovery following incidents.
• Maintain detailed risk assessments and ensure compliance with statutory regulations for emergency planning on FM services. Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Oversee contractor performance and ensure adherence to SLAs and KPIs.
• Conduct trend analysis using Business Systems data to drive efficiencies and optimise resource allocation.
• Provide regular performance reports and data-driven insights to inform operational decision-making and improvements.
• Undertake spot checks and audits. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• The FM Business Partner will work closely with the EI Operational and Laboratory Manager to deliver a proactive and well-coordinated FM service across EI’s two buildings - the Earlham Institute and the NBI Data Centre. This includes providing expert support, advice, and resource coordination to the EI Business Support Team on facilities, workplace, and building operations. The role will be co-located, working out of both EI and the Facilities Offices to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Work closely with research teams, building users, and senior management to align facilities services with organisational needs.
• Ensure clear and effective communication channels between facilities teams, helpdesk, and other departments.
• Provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders via meetings, emails, and Business Systems system notifications.
• Lead customer satisfaction surveys to assess service effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Represent the Facilities team in cross-departmental meetings, providing insights and ensuring facilities needs are prioritised.
• Lead on Building User engagement meetings Contract & Supplier Management
• Oversee contractor performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
• Supervise contractor visits and operations, ensuring all activities align with site policies and safety requirements.
• Conduct quality audits to assess supplier effectiveness and adherence to service agreements.
• Support procurement activities, ensuring value for money and alignment with best industry practices.
• Maintain up-to-date service contracts and compliance documentation. Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure facilities services comply with safety regulations, environmental policies, and statutory requirements.
• Ensure works are conducted in adherence to Health & Safety standards and NBIP and Institute policies (e.g., Permit to Work, Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS), and Safe Systems of Work).
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure ongoing compliance. E.g. fire safety, workplace safety, cleaning audits, building fabric audits
• Work closely with the Facilities Compliance Team to maintain accurate documentation for audits and inspections.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to facilities management, ensuring proactive measures are implemented. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Identify and implement best practices in facilities management to enhance service efficiency.
• Explore and recommend smart building technologies and IoT-based maintenance solutions.
• Drive sustainability initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Additional Duties
• Assist in budget planning and financial reporting for facilities operations.
• Manage project handovers, including soft landings, mobilisation, and asset management integration into Business Systems systems.
• Support emergency response planning and business continuity efforts.
• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance Relevant qualification in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field Essential Technical- Hard services qualification i.e. building services, Mechanical, Electrical. HNC or equivalent Essential IWFM/ILM Level 4 or higher in Facilities Management (or equivalent experience) Essential Health & Safety and Compliance (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Certificate) Essential Project management qualification APM or Prince2 Desirable NEBOSH Fire Safety certificate Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Extensive knowledge of Building safety act 2023, fire and building regulations such as PUWER and LOLER Essential Strong proficiency in Business Systems software (e.g., Concept Evolution, Planon, Maximo) Essential Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting and analytics Essential Ability to generate and present performance reports to senior stakeholders Essential Strong knowledge of Permitting systems and protocols for managing works and contractors Essential ISO 9001 quality audit Desirable

Requirement Importance Proven experience in facilities management, operations, or business partnering roles Essential Strong track record in contract management and performance monitoring Essential Experience in stakeholder engagement and customer service within a facilities environment Essential Hands-on experience with Business Systems systems and data-driven decision-making Essential Experience in research, pharmaceutical, or public sector environments Desirable Knowledge of smart building technologies and sustainability initiatives Desirable Familiarity with asset management systems Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills Essential Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, researchers, and senior leadership Essential Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Commitment to ongoing professional development Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership Essential Attention to detail Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential

Who We Are

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

FM Business Partner

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a FM Business Partner to join their busy Facilities department.

Background:

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes support a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing.

The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.

Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team. In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.

The Facilities Department provides unique Facilities Management (FM) Services to the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Earlham Institute. Our prime objective is to deliver safe, high quality scientific environments, which support scientists involved with world class research.

The role:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaging facilities professional who can help launch the beginning of a new stage in the NBIP Facilities Department through the introduction of business partnering. This new approach will foster closer alignment between FM services and the scientific community, ensuring services are responsive, agile, and aligned with strategic research goals.

The FM Business Partner will act as the primary link between Facilities Management, the helpdesk, and key internal stakeholders. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality facilities services, maintaining compliance with operational standards, and optimising service performance.

Duties will include service planning, workplace audits, performance monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement to enhance operational efficiency. The postholder will also be expected to deputise for the Facilities Hub Manager as required.

The ideal candidate:

This role is ideal for a someone with excellent stakeholder management skills and significant experience in facilities management, particularly hard services.

You will bring:
• Proven experience in contract management and performance monitoring
• Strong working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2023, fire and building regulations, and statutory compliance such as PUWER and LOLER
• Familiarity with permitting systems and contractor management protocols
• Proficiency in business systems software (e.g., CAFM systems)
• A customer-focused approach and experience in stakeholder engagement within a facilities environment

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,450 to £45,350 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post offered on an indefinite basis.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.

The closing date for applications will be 31 July 2025.