Building Manager

Overview

Our Story

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.  

Why Work for Us:

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.  

Responsibilities

The Building Manager will be involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations in relation to the building and premises. Likely areas of responsibility include:

• Building maintenance and overview of all maintenance services onsite via external contractors
• Health and safety and compliance reporting
• Purchase Order management
• Service charge management
• Contract management.
• Utilities and communications infrastructure.
• Authority to Access systems
• Tenant liaison and communications

Duties will vary widely depending on the site requirements but will generally focus on using best business practice to improve efficiency, by reducing operating costs while increasing productivity.

Responsibilities will cover several groups and departments, as well as central services that link to all the teams in the organisation. In some instances, duties may include more practical and hands-on tasks.

Typical tasks may include:

• Supervising and coordinating the work of contractors onsite;
• Calculating and comparing costs for required goods or services to achieve maximum value for money;
• Planning for future development in line with strategic business objectives;
• Managing and leading change to ensure minimum disruption to core activities;
• Directing, coordinating and planning essential central services such as maintenance, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling;
• Ensuring the building meets health and safety requirements and that facilities comply with legislation;
• Checking that agreed work by staff or contractors has been completed satisfactorily and following up on any deficiencies;
• Completion of monthly KPIs and SLAs in respect of all maintenance contractors relevant to site
• Provide a central point of liaison for the Avison Young helpdesk
• Assist in the management of invoices with control over all supplier Purchase Orders
• Provide local support in liaising with any of the Landlord’s team. This would also include liaison with the local security, cleaning and maintenance contractors to achieve a co-ordinated and integrated operation.
• Carry out weekly inspections and complete weekly checklists for site
• Taking regular meter reads and liaising and reporting on utilities to the Avison Young utility consultants monthly

Qualifications

Regulatory

• A sound understanding of the operation of the REFM team and the effect of legislation on its performance / capability.
• An understanding of statutory obligations within the client’s businesses e.g. financial and contractual controls, data protection and Health, Safety and Environmental legislation.

Technical

• A broad knowledge and competency in the Facilities Management discipline and a basic understanding of building processes.
• An understanding of building engineering systems and maintenance, building fabric maintenance, cleaning, security systems and associated support services.
• Experience in managing M&E and Cleaning suppliers
• IOSH qualified or willingness to undertake the appropriate training to gain the qualification

Financial

• The ability to operate within agreed budgets and guidelines.
• Ability to set budgets, review/approve invoices, and reconcile budgets.
• Experience and knowledge in the development of operating budgets and financial control systems.
• Experience in dealing with building service charge, rates, rent and insurance cost.
• A sound understanding of financial/variance reporting, authorisation procedures and supplier payment processes.

Office / IT Systems

• Competent user of Microsoft Office software, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Competent in the use of internet / intranet tools,

Communication

• Excellent IT and communication skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation, including the client, suppliers and subordinates.
• Excellent written communication skills, with well-structured reports, presentations and general correspondence.
• Ability to give and receive clear formal instructions.
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Responds constructively in times of conflict
• Great problem solving skills are required.
• Display excellent attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate drive, enthusiasm and ambition.
• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workload.

Teamwork and Leadership

• The ability to put team and Client objectives before personal objectives and other considerations.

Results Focus

• Open to new ideas and is not averse to change.
• Displays initiative in the delivery of objectives and targets.

Supplier Management

• Proven skills in the management of a diverse supply chain.
• Has the ability to develop strong relationships with service providers and seeks a concept of continuous improvement.
• The ability to develop SLAs and other performance measurement criteria to demonstrate the effectiveness of the supply chain.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• The ability to develop SLAs and other performance measurement criteria to demonstrate the effectiveness of the supply chain.
• Understands the requirements of the Client and is able to translate these into clear, concise service specifications and procurement documentation.

Equal Opportunities

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do.In the last few years, we’ve increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women’s Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry.Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee’s work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities.Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that:

• empowers all our employees to thrive,
• reflects all backgrounds and talents,
• allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging,
• and foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers.As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at [email protected] and we will do everything we can to help.

We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.