View Vacancy - Head of Facilities UKMIS- New York

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
UKMIS (UK Mission to the United Nations)

Main purpose of job

The British Government’s Consulate General (BCG) and the United Kingdom’s Mission to the UN (UKMIs) in New York has an exciting opportunity for an active, and dynamic person to join the Corporate Services Team as Head of Facilities. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

This is a chance to support the wider enablement function within the Consulate and the UK’s Mission to the UN in New York. The post holder will manage and maintain the entire portfolio of real estate (owned and leased property) that encompasses the two posts in New York including accommodation for all of our diplomats and the management of the 3 representational properties of the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador and Consul General as well as the functional management of the Office location in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York British Government Office is comprised of over 200 staff, across two offices, 8 Government Departments, and a wide range of policy priorities. The successful candidate will therefore be working with diverse range of stakeholders and issues – exceptional people management and clear written and spoken communication skills are essential. The jobholder must have an adaptable approach with a willingness to learn and work flexibly across a broad range of issues, including new areas not covered above, which might emerge during the individual’s time in the role.  Therefore, the successful candidate will be collaborative, proactive and willing to help others enthusiastically.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a real passion for service delivery. Team members should be able to operate comfortably in a high paced environment, have good communications skills and be able to think innovatively and creativity in their approach to problem solving.  Whilst experience in an associated sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with broader experience are also welcomed.  A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.

Roles and responsibilities
  • Develop, implement and maintain accommodation policy: Ensure that accommodation policies are reviewed regularly, that they reflect FCDO guidance and that rent ceilings are applied.  Bring forward any necessary recommendations to the Post Housing Committee for changes to accommodation policy. Ensure that policy statements are clear and accurate.   
  • Manage process and procedures for leasing of residential property: Ensure all leases are compliant with FCDO guidance and local law and that properties meet health and safety requirements. Working with the Housing Manager, who will oversee day to day lease management 
  • Management of the Estates Budget ($500k). Manage the Estates budget, ensuring that all funds are profiled for the year.  Prepare budget estimates for future years spend.  Where necessary, provide business case and justification for spend.   
  • Leadership of Facilities Team: Provide strong leadership and guidance to the Facilities team, ensuring that it is a coherent and effective operation within the wider Corporate Services Group.  Ensure all work streams are being implemented and high standards are being met. 
  • Corporate Agenda: Ensure that the management of the Estate reflects wider change initiatives particularly on environmental issues and corporate services (standardise, streamline, simplify).  Participate/ contribute/ inform in the relevant Post committees, including the Housing Committee, Health & Safety Committee, and Green Committee.  Maintain high standards of Customer Service. Secretariat the Post Housing Committee.  
  • Healthy and Safety:  Working with Regional Technical Lead, ensure that the working and living environment for all staff and the families for UK-based staff is compliant with FCDO guidance. Ensure warehouse is maintained according to all FCDO guidance.
  • Project manage minor works projects:  Carry out project management of works funded by the FCDO.  Ensure all works meet FCDO procurement guidelines.  Provide communication to all staff where the works may affect the business continuity of the Embassy/ Residence. 
  • Vendor/ supplier Management:  In conjunction with the Procurement Specialist, continually review large value supplier/ vendor performance to ensure that required standards are being met, performance is monitored and value for money is being achieved.   
  • Stakeholder Management Communicate clearly and in a timely manner with stakeholders throughout the New York Posts on relevant issues from the Estates strategy/ planned projects/ planned maintenance, etc.  Also liaise with London regularly to update changes on the Estate. 
  • Line Management:  Carry out direct line management duties for 4 staff.
  • Perform other ad-hoc duties as required. 

 

 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

 Team of 9. 4 Direct Reports. 5 Indirect Reports.

$500k Estates Budget

 

 


 

 


  • Have experience working in a fast-paced, professional office environment.
  • Proven record in team leadership and staff management
  • Excellent written and oral communication, particularly with senior stakeholders
  • Excellent Customer service skills
  • Strong organizational, project and time management skills, with very good attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritise and deliver results across multiple areas of work. 
  • Excellent networking skills with the ability to develop and maintain relationships at all levels.
  • Flexible and resilient under pressure, with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs, specifically MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. • A Visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.



  • Relevant work experience in property and property management.
  • Contract Management and procurement experience
  • Project management qualification
  • Knowledge of local building codes and previous training Health and Safety standards (OSHA)
  • Experience of working in international organizations
Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing
29 March 2023
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Permanent
40 hours per week
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Consulate General
1
USD
$82,200
16 June 2023

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Working patterns:

This role is 40 hours a week. There are core hours, typically 0900-5:00pm, however there is some flexibility around this which would need to be agreed with the hiring manager in advance.

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home 2 times a week according to business need.  We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly. 

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.