Job Description
Head of Building Services
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Building Services to lead the delivery of building, technical and major works services across a diverse residential and commercial property portfolio.
This senior role will manage a multidisciplinary Building Services Team comprising surveyors, engineers, building services specialists and administrative colleagues. Reporting to the Director of Property, you will work closely with property management, legal, health and safety, insurance and regional teams to ensure projects and services are delivered professionally, efficiently and in full compliance with statutory requirements.
You will provide clear leadership across major works, procurement and tendering, ensuring that contractors and consultants are appointed through robust processes and that projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required standard.
Key responsibilities
Act as the principal point of contact for major works programmes across the property portfolio.
Prepare project documentation and present proposals, progress reports and recommendations to the Major Works Committee and Board.
Lead, motivate and monitor the performance of the Building Services Team.
Oversee the preparation, review and implementation of 10-year capital expenditure plans for each property.
Establish and manage effective procurement, contractor appointment and tender award processes.
Ensure major works and refurbishment projects are accurately costed and delivered in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Monitor the performance of consultants and contractors, addressing variations, delays, disputes and quality concerns.
Work closely with residential property teams to progress major works and flat refurbishment programmes.
Lead regular major works review meetings and maintain clear communication between central, regional and area teams.
Keep directors informed of significant project risks, resident disputes, cost variations and emerging industry issues.
Compliance and technical leadership
Oversee the appointment and management of service providers responsible for statutory compliance, including gas safety inspections, electrical testing, water hygiene and asbestos management.
Ensure all inspections, reports, certificates and supporting records are current, complete and appropriate in scope.
Work closely with the Health and Safety Team on high-rise buildings and other properties.
Ensure warranties, certificates and other essential building information are accurately maintained on the relevant systems.
Provide technical advice and day-to-day support to property teams on construction, maintenance and property management matters.
Maintain appropriate professional and operational standards across the Building Services function.
Act as an authorised point of contact for urgent out-of-hours works and approve emergency call-outs when required.
Resident and legal matters
Support area teams with major works consultations and resident communications.
Ensure the Section 20 consultation process is managed correctly and that resident observations are considered and addressed appropriately.
Ensure suitable Building Services representatives attend residents' association meetings when required, providing clear updates on major works projects.
Provide technical information, advice, updates and witness statements in connection with First-tier Tribunal or court proceedings.
Attend hearings and represent the organisation when required.
Support internal and external legal advisers on property, construction and major works matters.
Commercial and stakeholder management
Ensure value for money is achieved when tendering and delivering major works and flat refurbishment projects.
Work with the Insurance Department to ensure claims are managed professionally and promptly.
Maintain productive relationships with contractors, consultants, residents, property teams and senior stakeholders.
Provide the Board with clear updates on project performance, professional matters, industry developments and potential future risks.
Undertake additional property-related assignments and refurbishment projects as directed by senior leadership.
About you
You will be a credible building services or property professional with substantial experience of leading major works and technical services across a complex property portfolio. You will combine strong technical knowledge with commercial judgement, people leadership and confident stakeholder management.
The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:
Significant experience in building services, surveying, property maintenance or major works delivery.
Proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical and administrative teams.
Strong knowledge of procurement, tendering, contractor appointment and contract management.
Experience of capital expenditure planning and budget control.
A sound understanding of statutory property compliance and building safety requirements.
Knowledge of Section 20 consultations and leasehold major works processes.
Experience of working with residents, legal advisers, insurers, consultants and contractors.
The ability to prepare and present clear reports to committees, boards and senior leaders.
Strong organisational, problem-solving, negotiation and communication skills.
The ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to urgent situations.
A relevant professional or technical qualification; chartered status would be advantageous.
MRICS or MCIOB qualified
The opportunity
This is an influential leadership position offering responsibility for a varied property portfolio and a broad programme of capital works, compliance and refurbishment projects. You will have the opportunity to shape standards, strengthen procurement and project controls, develop a specialist team and make a visible contribution to the performance and safety of the portfolio.
