Hard Services Facilities Manager

Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Employee performance scheme

Development budget

Season ticket loan (interest-free)

On-site facilities (gym/restaurant)

Parental and adoption leave

Job summary

MI5 is seeking a Hard Services Facilities Manager to lead high-quality maintenance and service delivery across key sites. You will oversee a team of 8–12 engineers, work with a facilities management partner, and implement technical solutions across mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

This site-based role demands strong leadership and strategic collaboration. You will have a degree in engineering, substantial senior FM experience, and a UK driving licence; DV clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in hard services facilities management across mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Degree in engineering or a related field is required.
• Experience managing a multi-million-pound FM contract with a strategic supplier is essential.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of high-quality service management and maintenance across key property portfolios.
• Evaluate and implement technical solutions to a range of mechanical, electrical, and structural issues.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of 8–12 engineers.
• Engage with facilities management partner to ensure a joined-up, reliable service.
• Lead customer-focused FM delivery and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Plumbing systems

Driving licence

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Location: Based at one of our sites in London, East Anglia, Cambridge or Middlesex, with regular travel between locations

Salary: London £67,073, all other locations £65,288

Flexible working: Full-time, 36 hours per week (London) or 37 hours per week (all other locations). This is a site-based role with no home working, although flexible start and finish times are available. Occasional weekend working (approximately once per quarter) is required to support planned site shutdowns, with time off in lieu and accommodation provided where necessary.

About us

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ, to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations on how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you'll undertake unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

The role

As our Hard Services Facilities Manager, you’ll oversee the delivery of high-quality service management and maintenance across key parts of our property portfolio. You’ll work closely with fellow technical managers to evaluate and implement technical solutions to a range of issues, from physical and structural matters to mechanical systems. In doing so, you’ll help ensure the resilience of our secure facilities as well as the safety of those working within them.

Managing a team of 8 to 12 experienced engineers, you’ll provide technical leadership across our sites. Day-to-day, you’ll work with these teams and key stakeholders to ensure we deliver a joined-up, reliable facilities management service. You’ll also regularly engage with our facilities management partner, maintaining a positive working relationship and ensuring all voices are heard. Through robust technical discussions, you’ll influence decision-making, challenge assumptions and drive the best outcomes.

As part of a wider team of facilities managers, you’ll contribute to delivering high levels of customer service across MI5. In short, this is an exciting, unique and vital role, offering plenty of variety and opportunities for collaboration.

About you

You’ll have significant and demonstrable experience in hard services facilities management at a senior level, with technical expertise across mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Alongside a degree in a relevant discipline, such as engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related field, you’ll bring a solid technical foundation to the role. Experience managing a multi-million-pound facilities management contract through a strategic supplier partner is essential. You’ll also hold a full UK driving licence.

As a senior leader, you’ll have experience leading and developing teams within this field. Collaborative, adaptable and intuitive, you’ll be confident liaising with people at all levels of expertise and developing effective working relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers. A proactive and strategic approach to asset management comes naturally to you. And, of course, you’ll be committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence in all that you do.

Training and development

Upon joining, an extensive two-week induction programme will introduce you to our estates, including opportunities to meet team members, visit different sites, and engage with customers and supplier partners.

Throughout your career with us, you’ll be encouraged to further develop your own skills and abilities. We offer extensive learning opportunities in areas related to your field of work and provide a personal development fund should you wish to upskill in a way that benefits the role.

As you develop in the role, there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, including managing the wider facilities management portfolio as additional sites are added. These opportunities would typically be considered once you have been in post for 12 to 18 months.

Rewards and benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £67,073 if you’re London-based or £65,288 for all other locations, plus a range of other benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• a dedicated development budget
• an interest‑free season ticket loan
• facilities such as a subsidised gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations)
• paid parental and adoption leave

Before you apply

To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality.

This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes.

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug use at the relevant stage.

The role is based in London, East Anglia, Cambridge or Middlesex, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application. An interest‑free loan is available to assist with relocating into privately rented accommodation to take up the offer of employment.

We offer reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for candidates attending in person interviews or assessments during the recruitment and vetting process. Full details will be provided with your interview or assessment invitation.

Reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, as amended from time to time. Candidates must book their own travel, using the most economical option, and provide original hard-copy receipts for reimbursement.