View Vacancy - Deputy Head of Facilities (Corporate Services) - Washington DC
Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Embassy in Washington has an exciting opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic person with proven technical skills and expertise and a strong commitment to the highest quality customer service to help lead and manage the Estate Maintenance team. The role is busy and demanding but rewarding; the jobholder will play an essential role in supporting the delivery of UK government objectives in the US by ensuring that the Embassy team works and lives in buildings that are safe and fit for purpose.
The jobholder will work alongside the Director of Facilities to supervise the 10-strong Estate Maintenance team, and oversee a number of contractors, to manage all mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, plus other functions on an ad hoc basis. The Estate includes the operational buildings on the main Embassy compound, including the historic Ambassador’s Residence, and approximately 50 residential properties across the DMV.
The Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence are in the final phases of a major refurbishment project, so this is an exciting time to join the team.
The ideal candidate will be able to confidently work autonomously as well as collaboratively. They will be supported to quickly familiarise themselves with relevant working practices and policies and be able to plan and prioritise. They will need to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining good attention to detail and strong written and oral communication skills. And they will actively model all this in their leadership of the Maintenance team, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
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 that enables people to better maintain wellbeing through an excellent work/life balance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist the Director of Facilities Management in planning, implementing and supervising all maintenance work at the owned estate.
- Be the main point of contact for all technical issues for the Estates team including interaction with end users.
- Provide day to day supervision and line management of the maintenance team and contractors to ensure work is carried out in a professional, timely manner and within budget.
- Assist in developing and implementing a 5 year maintenance plan for all properties.
- Assist with forward planning to develop and deliver annual business plan and objectives for the team.
- Management of Assets and Maintenance Registers, O&M manuals, risk assessments and other reports as required.
- Deliver professional, customer-focussed Estates services to staff at Washington, meeting agreed local and FCDO standards and targets.
- Liaise directly with contractors and sub-contractors on all projects.
- Ensure all work orders are completed on time and work closely with key stakeholders to deliver full customer satisfaction.
- Ensure FCO and local Health & Safety standards are applied.
- Ensure safe systems of work are in place for all work including contractors.
- Ensure Property Compliance Assessments are performed in the Estate under direction from Regional UKB Technical Officer.
- Maintain inventories for all maintenance tools and equipment. Implement processes and procedures for loan items such as fans, heaters, de-humidifiers etc.
- Ensure all workshops are kept in a clean and tidy state with regular inspections scheduled.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
- Ten staff members from various trades in the maintenance team.
Minimum Qualifications/Experience:
- At least 5 years experience of Construction Management of a large building/estate including mechanical; electrical and plumbing services.
- Contract Management and procurement experience.
- Blueprint reading, project management, stakeholder management.
- Resource and staff management.
- Managing a team.
- Knowledge of local building codes and previous training Health and Safety standards (OSHA).
- Excellent Customer service skills.
The jobholder will also be adaptable, flexible, energetic, and have a willingness to learn. Excellent oral and written communication skills are important, as well as strong IT skills.
Essential on arrival:
- Experience in Construction management and staff management.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Working patterns:
Primarily Monday to Friday 0730 to 1600. Requirement to be flexible with occasional out of hours work including weekends. Position to deputise for Director of Facilities Management as required and to ensure the team has sufficient coverage during peak times.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
