Facilities Manager (Soft Services) – Education Estate, London Join a leading education provider in London as a Facilities Manager (Soft Services). Take ownership of cleaning, security, catering, and grounds services across a busy multi-site estate. Ideal for facilities professionals with education, public sector, or large estate experience. Key Highlights * Lead and manage soft services contracts including cleaning, catering, security, and grounds * Supervise, train, and develop a dedicated facilities team * Oversee statutory compliance, risk assessments, and audits * Manage budgets, procurement, and contractor performance (Slams & KPIs) * Deliver excellent customer service and operational support across an education estate * Opportunity for career growth, project involvement, and professional development The Role As Facilities Manager (Soft Services), you will lead on all aspects of premises and facilities management with a focus on soft FM. This includes managing third-party contractors, overseeing service delivery, developing staff, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for staff, students, and visitors. You will be the key link between estates, contractors, and senior leadership — ensuring services are delivered to high standards, budgets are managed effectively, and the estate remains fully compliant and operational. Key Responsibilities * Manage soft services contracts: cleaning, catering, security, and grounds maintenance * Supervise and develop the facilities team, including rotas, recruitment, and training * Oversee compliance, including health & safety, risk assessments, fire safety, and safeguarding * Manage contractors, review Slams/KPIs, and hold regular performance meetings * Control and monitor facilities budgets, procurement, and invoicing * Support event management, room bookings, and day-to-day operational needs * Lead on continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to strategic planning * Deputise for the Head of Estates as required What We’re Looking For * Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience * Professional membership (e.g. IWFM, IFMA, BIFM) desirable * Health & Safety certification (IOSH Managing Safely minimum, NEBOSH desirable) * Proven site management and soft services experience (ideally in education or public sector) * Strong budget management, contractor management, and compliance experience * Skilled in using CAFM systems for scheduling and record-keeping * Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills * Flexible, proactive, and customer-focused approach Benefits * Exciting leadership role in a dynamic education estate environment * Hands-on responsibility for soft FM service delivery and compliance * Opportunities to contribute to strategic planning and improvement projects * Supportive estates team with training and development opportunities * Competitive salary and benefits package Apply now if you’re an experienced Facilities Manager (Soft Services) ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in a professional education setting. Feel free to call us for more information