View Vacancy - Furnishings Manager

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)
Estates

Summary:

The British Embassy is changing the way it delivers accommodation support across the US through the creation of a new Joint Team. The new team brings together separate accommodation sections for military and diplomatic staff into a new delivery unit. The unit covers the sourcing of permanent and temporary accommodation, furniture, logistics and routine support. This is an exciting opportunity to join this new team and make a real impact to how the Embassy delivers accommodation support to its 1000+ people posted across the US. At the heart of the new team’s mandate will be driving forward process improvements which both enhance the service offering and delivery improved value for the Embassy.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who have 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.

 

Main purpose of job:

The management and delivery of all Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Embassy furniture requirements across the United States.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the delivery of all Embassy and MOD furniture and logistics requirements across the United States, which includes approximately 60 MOD and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), owned properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.
  • Oversight of an approximate budget of $5M for furniture and logistics.
  • Support the management and development of the Accommodation Team with a results focused, strong customer service ethos.
  • Drive Value for Money and service improvement for the pan USA furniture and logistics framework.
  • Responsible for all USA furniture holdings ensuring availability, quality, and the minimisation of stock targets are met.
  • Act as the furniture and logistics SME for the network providing specialist advice to Consulates and wider MOD detachments as required.
  • Lead for designing and implementing an enhanced process for the through-life management of furniture inventory across the USA network. Support the Head of Accommodation in managing and improving the relationship with the logistics contractor providing recommendations on issues and mitigation where required.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for customer complaints and grievances in relation to furniture and logistics.
  • Advice and delivery on non-residential furniture requirements for the main Embassy building and residence.
  • Deputise for the Head of Accommodation and support wider Accommodation Team or cross Embassy outputs as required.

 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

  • Joint reporting responsibility (with the Housing Manager) for 6 members of staff.
  • Approximately $5M of logistics and furniture expenditure.

 

  • Minimum 3-5 years’ experience with a proven track record of working in a fast paced, customer service oriented environment.
  • The jobholder will also have an adaptable, flexible, energetic approach, a willingness to learn, excellent oral and written communication skills; especially the ability to communicate with all levels of organization and customer base. 
  • Ability to prioritize, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs, specifically MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas

  • Degree Educated
  • Experience of working in the furniture sector or related field
  • Project Management Experience
  • Experience of managing a team
2 July 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
1
USD
$58,272
14 August 2017

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.

Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted by 2 July 2017. Internal candidates must inform the Head of Group before applying.

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 an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by law.

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.