We’re looking for an experienced and hands-on Facilities Manager to join the launch team at The Willowbury, an exciting new retirement village in West Malling. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping a brand-new community from the ground up, creating a safe, welcoming and beautifully maintained environment where residents can enjoy later life with independence, comfort and connection.
As Facilities Manager, you will lead the delivery of all property maintenance, grounds, housekeeping and village compliance services, ensuring exceptional standards across the site from day one.
You’ll oversee all hard and soft FM services, working closely with internal teams, contractors and residents to ensure the village runs smoothly, safely and efficiently.
You’ll also be instrumental during the mobilisation phase, supporting the transition from construction to full village operations.
Key Responsibilities
Mobilisation & Village Launch
* Coordinate all facilities-related mobilisation activities for the new village.
* Support commissioning and handover from construction to operations.
* Attend site meetings, track readiness milestones and resolve issues.
* Set up maintenance, cleaning, waste, security and support contracts.
* Establish safety systems including fire procedures, alarms and emergency plans.
* Ensure O&M manuals, warranties and asset registers are complete.
* Recruit and induct team members as the village grows.
* Support resident move-ins and explain services and facilities.
Facilities & Property Management
* Manage maintenance, housekeeping, grounds and environmental services.
* Deliver planned preventative maintenance programmes.
* Oversee contractors, procurement and project works.
* Maintain village buildings, systems and communal areas to a high standard.
* Drive sustainability initiatives including energy, waste and biodiversity.
* Manage utilities and identify cost-saving opportunities.
* Support preparation of properties for resale or rental.
Health & Safety Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with statutory and company health & safety standards.
* Manage fire safety systems, emergency call bells, water hygiene and legionella controls.
* Conduct audits, inspections and corrective action plans.
* Promote a strong safety-first culture across the village.
Leadership & Customer Service
* Lead, motivate and develop onsite teams.
* Build strong relationships with residents and respond professionally to requests.
* Manage rotas, budgets and service performance.
* Create a warm, customer-focused and inclusive working culture.
About You
We’re looking for someone practical, organised and confident leading people and operations in a customer-facing environment.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
* Facilities Management qualification (Level 2+) or equivalent experience
* Minimum 3 years’ facilities management experience
* IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent knowledge)
* Strong understanding of fire safety, legionella and compliance
* Experience managing PPM schedules, contractors and budgets
* Good IT skills including Microsoft 365 and facilities systems
Desirable
* NEBOSH General Certificate
* Knowledge of plumbing, electrical or building trades
* Fire Safety Level 2
Why Join Us?
* Opportunity to launch and shape a brand new retirement village
* Varied leadership role with real autonomy
* Make a genuine difference to residents’ daily lives
* Join a values-led organisation focused on wellbeing, community and sustainability
* Long-term career growth within a growing sector
If you’re an experienced Facilities Manager who takes pride in high standards, enjoys leading teams and wants to be part of something new and meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!