Job overview
Location: St Richard's Hospital
Reporting into the Facilities Operations Manager as required, the post holder will be responsible for the housekeeping teams for managed sites, ensuring the quality of service provision at all times; liaising and engaging with Trust clinical personnel to ensure client satisfaction and that service issues are addressed promptly with a strong focus on patients and quality.
Core duties will involve working closely with the clinical teams, especially Infection Control and the DIPC in developing services as well as managing a team of staff. Development of services and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships in a rapidly changing environment will be a key element of this role.
The post holder will be responsible for delivering housekeeping services across the site. The post holder will be responsible for budget management and reporting of activity accurately, following standing financial instructions at all times. The post holder will have operational responsibilities for direct reports as well as general responsibilities within Facilities and Estates Division.
The post holder needs to understand the Trust’s Vision, Values, and goals.
Main duties of the job
This role is responsible for making sure housekeeping services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. It involves maintaining quality and compliance with regulations and best practice standards, including PLACE scores, 50 Elements scores, CQC, and other healthcare requirements.
The role also supports service development and planning with the management team. It includes managing staff, such as recruitment, appraisals, and handling issues like sickness, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
There is responsibility for staff wellbeing and ensuring all health and safety training is completed, with any issues addressed promptly. The role includes direct line management of a team, leading meetings to keep communication clear, and having a strong understanding of organisational policies and daily operations.
Additionally, the role involves developing and implementing policies across the team to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
For more detailed information about the role, including key responsibilities, required skills, and experience, please refer to the full job description and person specification. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of what the position involves and the qualities we are looking for in a candidate, helping you better understand whether this opportunity is the right fit for you.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Educated to degree level or experience gained to equivalent level.
2. Facilities Management or equivalent specialist knowledge/managerial qualification.
3. Previous demonstrable experience in a senior management position gained in a hospital/healthcare environment
4. Specialist knowledge of Soft FM management techniques
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Excellent written and spoken English and interpersonal/negotiating skills.
6. Able to make judgements across a wide range of issues, taking into account conflicting demands, compliance and H&S issues, legislation, professional advice, etc.
7. Ability to manage an unpredictable work pattern with planned / unplanned situations; periods of intense concentration and routine office work
8. Experience of managing Soft FM Services.
9. Awareness of the Trust’s standing financial instructions and finance systems, skills in financial management and budgetary control
10. Able to use a range of Microsoft Office programmes including complex functions. Advanced keyboard skills.
11. Works on own initiative within Trust policies. Expected to work independently & autonomously
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
12. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
13. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications