Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The NBI Partnership (NBIP) provides non-scientific services to research institutes based on the Norwich Research Park, a globally recognised centre for bioscience innovation. The park is home to leading research institutes - including the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) - supporting cutting-edge research in food security, health, and environmental sustainability. NBIP provides the facilities management (FM) services to the JIC’s, TSL’s and EI’s estates and buildings.
The FM Business Partner serves as the primary link between facilities management, the helpdesk, and key internal stakeholders. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality facilities services, maintaining compliance with operational standards, and optimising service performance. The role involves strategic planning, workplace audits, performance monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement to enhance operational efficiency.
FM Business Partner – Embedded Support for Earlham Institute (EI)
Additionally, the FM Business Partner plays a vital, embedded role within the Earlham Institute (EI), aligning closely with its operational and business support teams to deliver a seamless, high-quality facilities management (FM) service. Co-located at EI, this role ensures proactive ownership of the building’s FM needs, working collaboratively with EI teams to foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and partnership.
By integrating FM services into EI’s daily operations, the Business Partner supports the institute’s ambition to be an exemplar in facilities management and workplace quality. They drive a commitment to first-fix solutions, workplace ownership, health and safety, and effective contractor management. Through close collaboration, they enhance the institute’s environment, ensuring it remains a high-performing and well-maintained space for research and innovation.
The FM Business Partner ensures seamless operations across NBIP, JIC/TSL and EI by coordinating essential services and key institutional relationships, including:
• Maintenance Operations – Working closely with the Operations Team to ensure Building infrastructure remains functional and compliant, undertaking workplace and compliance audits across the JIC/TSL and EI building portfolios. Supporting maintenance operations in forward planning and maintenance shutdowns.
• Facilities Helpdesk & Business Systems System – Working hand in glove with the Facilities Helpdesk, monitoring fault reporting, work requests, and service coordination. Acting as a single point of contact for complex or escalated facilities issues.
• Project Management – Supporting capital and operational projects. Supporting building users in developing project specifications and business cases.
• Contract Administration and service delivery – Overseeing service delivery for security, catering, waste management, insurance, cleaning and more. Working closely with associated managers and stakeholders to ensure adherence to KPIs and agreed SLAs.
• Energy & Environmental Management – Supporting sustainability initiatives, Staff engagement and efficiency improvements.
A key aspect of this role includes NBIP Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Incident Management, ensuring facilities-related disruptions are managed effectively and recovery plans are in place.
Additionally, the FM Business Partner plays a crucial role in project handovers, ensuring smooth transitions to operations, workplace policy updates, asset information integration, and Business Systems system updates.
This role is well-suited for a strategic thinker with strong stakeholder management skills and extensive experience in hard services and facilities management. The post holder will be required to deputise for the Facilities Hub Manager as and when required.
Key Relationships
Internal: Facilities Hub Manager (Line Manager), Helpdesk & Business Systems Supervisor (Close working relationship), FM Support Services Team, Maintenance & Operations Teams, Institute Operational and Lab Managers & Building Users, Senior Institutional Stakeholders, and EI’s Business Support team.
External: Service Providers & Contractors, Regulatory Bodies & Compliance Inspectors.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementRelevant qualification in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related fieldTechnical- Hard services qualification building services, Mechanical, Electrical. HNC or equivalentIWFM/ILM Level 4 or higher in Facilities Management (or equivalent experience)Health & Safety and Compliance (, IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Certificate)Project management qualification APM or Prince2NEBOSH Fire Safety certificate
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementExtensive knowledge of Building safety act 2023, fire and building regulations such as PUWER and LOLERStrong proficiency in Business Systems software (, Concept Evolution, Planon, Maximo)Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting and analyticsAbility to generate and present performance reports to senior stakeholdersStrong knowledge of Permitting systems and protocols for managing works and contractorsISO 9001 quality audit
Relevant Experience
RequirementProven experience in facilities management, operations, or business partnering rolesStrong track record in contract management and performance monitoringExperience in stakeholder engagement and customer service within a facilities environmentHands-on experience with Business Systems systems and data-driven decision-makingExperience in research, pharmaceutical, or public sector environmentsKnowledge of smart building technologies and sustainability initiativesFamiliarity with asset management systems
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementExcellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skillsAbility to communicate effectively with technical teams, researchers, and senior leadershipStrong problem-solving and decision-making abilitiesGood interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailPromotes equality and values diversityCommitment to ongoing professional developmentWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workAble to present a positive image of self and the Partnership Attention to detail Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required