The Vacancy
Assistant Facilities Manager
Location: Cambridgeshire
We are looking for a proactive and technically confident Assistant Facilities Manager to support the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of our facilities in Cambridgeshire. This is a key role for someone who can confidently manage contractor activities, support compliance processes, and contribute to the smooth running of a busy, multi‑stakeholder environment.
About the Role
As Assistant Facilities Manager, You Will
Support the Facilities Manager with the delivery of day‑to‑day facilities operations.
Assist in reviewing, authorising and managing permits‑to‑work and associated documentation.
Ensure contractors are fully inducted, authorised, and working in line with WPS Health & Safety and CDM requirements.
Act as a key liaison between Facilities, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Monitor site activities, ensuring safe working practices and high standards of performance.
Help maintain FM and permit systems, ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
Support audits, inspections, compliance checks, and reporting activities.
Suggest improvements to FM processes, systems, and ways of working.
Maintain site plans and ensure visibility of all live works and areas of activity.
What We're Looking For
Essential
Background in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction, or M&E.
Working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and CDM.
Strong IT skills (Outlook, Excel, Word; experience with FM or permit systems desirable).
Confident communicator able to engage with contractors, colleagues, and senior stakeholders.
Experience supporting maintenance, compliance, or project activities.
Ability to challenge unsafe practices or incomplete documentation confidently and professionally.
Desirable
Health & Safety qualifications (NEBOSH, IOSH, or similar).
Experience carrying out H&S audits or compliance reviews.
Formal technical qualification (Engineering/Construction/M&E).
Experience as an Authorised Person in any permit‑related area (e.g., hot work, LOTO, working at height, confined spaces).
Membership of a relevant professional body (IOSH/APs/CIOB/RICS).
Experience managing multiple works or projects in a live operational environment.
What You'll Bring
Strong communication and collaborative working style
Leadership capability and confidence to influence contractors and stakeholders
Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
Results‑driven approach with high personal integrity
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Work for Wates
Wates is one of the UK's leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.
We are driven by our purpose, 'reimagining places for people to thrive' and our three promises:
Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
Work for Wates
Wates Group is one of the largest, and most successful family-owned private construction, development, and property services companies in the UK. We are building a place to work where everyone belongs, by one small act of inclusion at a time. We celebrate difference and welcome diversity.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.
The Wates Group are committed to three ambitious environmental targets for 2025: Zero Waste, and Zero Carbon, from our operations and Positive Nature Enhancement. Wates are pushing to take a leading role in reducing our industry's environmental impact.