Facilities Assistant Head of Department (Soft Services)

United World College of South East Asia; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An international college in Singapore is seeking a Facilities Assistant HOD to oversee day-to-day operations and manage a variety of soft services, including housekeeping and security. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in facilities management and proven leadership skills. This position offers an opportunity to impact operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives in an educational setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Facilities.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale soft services operations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day facilities operations and help execute operational goals.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for all soft services.
• Manage vendor selection and performance for outsourced services.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Facilities Management

Environmental Control Coordinator status

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

UWCSEA has a vacancy at its Dover Campus for aFacilities Assistant HOD (Soft Services) position.

Reporting to the Deputy HOD, the incumbent will oversee the day-to-day facilities operations and help execute the college's operational goals. The successful candidate will possess experience in managing diverse soft services portfolios, including housekeeping, security, events, pest control, landscaping, waste management, reception services, and other related support functions.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for all soft services, aligning them with overall organizational objectives and long-term sustainability goals.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of soft services, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service.

• Oversee vendor selection and performance management for all outsourced soft services, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality of service delivery, and adherence to ethical and sustainable practices.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of all soft services, ensuring seamless delivery and prompt resolution of issues.

• Implement and maintain Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate service quality, using insights to drive continuous improvement.

• Oversee housekeeping and cleaning operations, including daily maintenance, specialized cleaning (e.g., carpet care) across all facility areas.

• Manage waste management programs, recycle initiatives, landscaping/horticultural, pest services that comply with environmental standards.

• Manage security operations and systems in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, ensuring a safe and secure environment.

• Provide event management support, coordination of necessary soft services (e.g., additional cleaning, security, waste disposal), and ensuring a smooth experience for internal and external events.

• Manage specific soft services-related projects from initiation to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Conduct annual security drills and tabletop exercise, assist with responding to any fire incident

• Act as the appointed Environmental Control Coordinator (ECC) or directly oversee the ECC team, ensuring all duties and responsibilities as mandated. This includes:

  • Drive and implement broader sustainability practices across all soft services, including significant waste reduction targets, energy efficiency in cleaning processes, promotion of eco-friendly products, and advanced recycling initiatives.

• Champion the identification, evaluation, and implementation of suitable technologies to enhance the efficiency, and intelligence of soft services operations. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • IoT sensors for occupancy monitoring and smart waste management.

  • Predictive maintenance solutions for cleaning and pest control.

• Communicate effectively and transparently on service updates, operational performance, issues, and strategic initiatives.

• Create presentations and reports as required and to undertake any other duties that may be required to meet the demands of the service.

Person Specifications

• Minimum Degree Facilities Management, Real Estate Management or a closely related field.

• Environmental Control Coordinator is added advantage.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Facilities.

• Proven track record of managing large-scale soft services operations, preferably within a complex corporate, institutional, or mixed-use environment will be added advantage.

• Demonstrated experience in managing projects, preferably within a facilities or soft services context.

• A collaborative leader with strong communication skills, capable of building consensus and driving positive change across departments.

• A proactive, analytical, and problem-solving mindset with a strong commitment to service excellence and innovation.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to a dynamic environment.

• Excellent leadership skills, interpersonal and organisational skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, databases, a high level of computer literacy.

Applications

Apply via our job portal by Thursday, 7 August 2025 23:59hrs Singapore Time

The UWC Mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and culture for peace and a sustainable future. We are committed to creating a community in which all members feel safe and secure, and know that their authentic selves and individual differences are accepted with respect and care. At UWCSEA, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) is an ongoing and evolving process and strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging for all members of our community, past, present and future. All qualified applicants, including those who identify as a part of marginalised group(s) and individuals with (dis)abilities are all encouraged to apply. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity and criminal record checks.