Department: Facilities Management Reporting to: Head of Facilities Salary: £55-65k DOE company car Location: Multi-site nursery estate Role Type: Full-time Direct Reports: Maintenance Engineers, Landscaping Team Role Purpose The Hard Services Manager is responsible for the effective delivery, control, and continuous improvement of hard facilities services across a multi-site nursery estate. The role provides day-to-day operational leadership of engineering and landscaping teams, oversight of external contractors, and ownership of both reactive and planned maintenance activities. The postholder will ensure that buildings, plant, and external areas are maintained safely, compliantly, and cost-effectively, while improving communication, visibility, and control across the estate. Key Responsibilities Operational Management - Line management of the in-house engineering team, including work allocation, performance management, and development. - Line management of the landscaping team, ensuring external areas are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. - Ownership of reactive maintenance, ensuring issues are prioritised, resolved promptly, and communicated clearly. - Oversight of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules to reduce reactive call-outs and improve asset longevity. Contractor & Supply Chain Management - Management of all external hard services contractors. - Sourcing and evaluation of best-value quotations for maintenance and remedial works. - Monitoring contractor performance, compliance, and cost control. - Supporting contractor onboarding and ensuring appropriate vetting and insurances are in place. Compliance & Safety - Ensuring all works are delivered in line with Health & Safety legislation and company policies. - Supporting statutory compliance across fire safety, water hygiene, electrical, gas, and work at height. - Ensuring safe systems of work are followed by internal teams and contractors. Systems & Reporting - Competent use of the CAFM system to manage reactive and planned maintenance tasks. - Ensuring accurate record keeping for audit and compliance purposes. - Producing reports on maintenance performance, contractor delivery, and recurring issues. Stakeholder Communication - Acting as the primary point of contact for hard services matters. - Improving communication between FM, nursery management teams, and contractors. - Providing timely updates on issues, progress, and resolution. Person Specification Essential - Proven experience in a Hard Services or Maintenance Management role within a multi-site environment. - Technical qualification – Mechanical and/or Electrical - Experience managing in-house teams and external contractors. - Strong understanding of planned and reactive maintenance. - Sound knowledge of Health & Safety and statutory compliance. - Competent user of a CAFM system. - Strong organisational and communication skills. Desirable - Experience within education, childcare, healthcare, or care environments. - Recognised technical qualification or trade background. - IOSH Managing Safely or similar qualification. - Experience managing landscaping or grounds services. Ready to Join Us? If you’re excited about the opportunity to work in a supportive, dynamic, and rewarding environment, apply today and become a part of the Fennies family! Diversity & Inclusion: At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. A diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives, driving innovation and excellence. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Fennies Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check, and proof of identity will be required. INDLP