Head of Technical & Facilities

Head of Technical & Facilities

About Our Client

Our client is an exciting, ambitious arts centre offering a wide array of free exhibitions, theatre, music, cinema and comedy performances as well as creative learning and participation activities. Well-loved and well used, it's a relaxed friendly place attracting a diverse mix of visitors. They are recruiting for a Head of Technical and Facilities to lead the Technical Resources department.

Job Purpose

The Head of Technical & Facilities is responsible for developing and delivering technical and facilities services across the organisation. The role leads the Technical & Facilities team, ensuring high standards of technical delivery, maintenance and compliance of building systems, equipment and facilities. You'll also be supporting the artistic programme, commercial activities and operational efficiency. Working closely with the Deputy CEO & Director of Commercial & Operations, the postholder contributes to the development of the organisation's facilities and building infrastructure, including capital projects, and leads the Green Champions Group to support the operational delivery of the organisation's environmental and sustainability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Management

• Lead the planning and delivery of technical resources, support and equipment across the artistic programme, commercial hires and events, with day-to-day delivery delegated through the Senior Technician team.
• Work collaboratively with Programming teams, artists, visiting companies and hirers to assess technical feasibility, identify requirements and ensure appropriate resources are allocated.
• Ensure consistently high standards of technical operation, production delivery and artist, client and customer service, maintaining the organisation's reputation as a professional and welcoming venue.
• Oversee the maintenance, statutory testing, replacement and lifecycle planning of technical equipment, ensuring assets remain safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for purpose.
• Support the development of the organisation's technical infrastructure, identifying opportunities to improve equipment, systems and ways of working in line with artistic and operational needs.

Facilities Management

• Ensure the organisation's buildings, infrastructure, customer-facing facilities and operational equipment are maintained to a high standard and remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
• Manage planned and reactive maintenance, servicing, statutory inspections and compliance programmes for building systems, technical, learning & participation, catering equipment and other operational equipment across public and staff-only areas.
• Oversee cleaning and waste management services, ensuring services are delivered safely, effectively, within budget and in line with organisational standards, delegating day-to-day liaison with contractors to the Senior Facilities Technician.
• Oversee standards of cleanliness, presentation and maintenance across customer-facing and staff areas, including washroom facilities, ensuring a positive visitor and workplace experience.
• Lead the operational management of building security, protective security measures, fire safety systems and associated emergency procedures.
• Work with the Heads of IT and Customer Services to oversee CCTV, access control and physical security infrastructure.
• Support the Deputy CEO by advising on asset replacement, maintenance priorities, capital investment and long-term estate planning.
• Lead the operational planning and delivery of refurbishment, exhibition installation, building improvement and capital projects, in line with CDM regulation, acting as the principal liaison with contractors, consultants and project teams.

Environmental Sustainability and Energy Management

• Lead the operational delivery of the organisation's environmental and sustainability objectives, promoting sustainable working practices across the organisation.
• Chair the Green Champions Group, supporting the development and implementation of the organisation's Environmental Action Plan and embedding environmental responsibility across departments.
• Monitor building performance, energy consumption and utility usage, investigating anomalies and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Oversee the effective operation of the Building Management System to support energy management and optimise building performance.
• Advise colleagues on environmental legislation, best practice and sustainability initiatives relevant to the organisation's operations, facilities and artistic programme.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, develop and support the Technical & Facilities team, ensuring appropriate staffing, performance and professional development.
• Recruit, train and coach staff to meet the operational and technical needs of the organisation.
• Promote a collaborative, customer-focused and solutions-oriented approach across the team.

Safety & Compliance

• Work with the Deputy CEO and external advisors to support the delivery of health and safety, fire safety, venue safety and organisational resilience arrangements.
• Maintain departmental procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work and ensure appropriate compliance across technical, facilities and operational activities.
• Ensure staff are trained, competent and supported in meeting their health, safety and compliance responsibilities.
• Support compliance with public protection and security legislation, including Martyn's Law where applicable, and contribute to emergency planning, business continuity and resilience arrangements.
• Ensure appropriate maintenance, inspection, servicing and statutory compliance arrangements are in place for technical, catering and operational equipment across the organisation.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the Technical & Facilities budget and monitor departmental financial performance.
• Review monthly management accounts, staffing costs and variances, taking corrective action as required.
• Manage maintenance expenditure, service contracts and project budgets in line with procurement policies and approved budgets.

Other Duties

• Promote and support the implementation of the organisation's policies relating to equality, diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, health and safety and environmental sustainability.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective operation of the organisation.

Person Specification

Core Requirements

• Relevant qualification in facilities, engineering, technical theatre, building services, management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience, with IOSH Managing Safely qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Significant experience managing facilities, technical services, estates or building operations within a public-facing venue or comparable environment, including contractor management, maintenance programmes and statutory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety, building compliance, fire safety, security, emergency planning, CDM regulations, Martyn's Law and other regulatory requirements relevant to public venues.
• Experience leading budgets, projects, refurbishment or capital works, and managing teams to deliver safe, effective and customer-focused operations.
• Understanding of technical production requirements for performances, exhibitions, screenings and events.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solution-focused, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, sustainability, continuous improvement, high professional standards and flexibility to support operational requirements, including keyholder duties and occasional evening and weekend working.

Desirable Requirements

• NEBOSH, First Aid at Work, Personal Licence Holder qualification, or equivalent professional certifications.
• Experience of technical or facilities management within arts, cultural, entertainment, events or visitor venue environments.
• Experience supporting major capital development, construction or estate improvement projects.
• Experience managing physical security systems, including CCTV and access control.
• Knowledge of accessibility requirements for cultural venues and events.
• Understanding of sustainable venue operations and best practice, including Theatre Green Book principles.
• Strong written communication skills.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

All staff are expected to further, promote, and ensure the implementation of the equal opportunities and diversity policies of the organisation.

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. They are also committed to ensuring their people are a reflection of the communities they serve. They ensure that their recruitment and promotion processes are fair and open to all.

Dates

Deadline: 11:59pm Sunday 6 September

Late applications will not be considered.

Please be aware that the organisation may close this vacancy before the stated deadline if they receive a high number of applications. You are strongly advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Short-listing: By the end of day Thursday 10 September

Interviews: Monday 14 September

Note

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It is not meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes in legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time.

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