Head of Facilities/Director Designate - Dovetail Recruitment Ltd : Job Details

Head of Facilities / Director Designate

Location: Multi-site (Reading, Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Camberley, Fareham, and Farnborough)

Reporting to: Executive Chairman

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum £5,000–£6,000 car allowance

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and hands-on Facilities Manager looking to step up into a senior leadership position.

As Head of Facilities / Director Designate, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and compliance of a portfolio of 12 modern, high-quality commercial office buildings across the South of England. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that each site is safe, well-maintained, and operating to the highest standard, while leading relationships with contractors, service providers, and the wider internal team.

You will report directly to the Executive Chairman and play a vital role in shaping the facilities strategy as the business continues to grow.

This is a multi-site role, and regular travel between offices (from Reading to Bournemouth and surrounding areas) is required. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee building operations, maintenance, and compliance across 12 commercial office sites
• Manage third-party contractors and service providers, including cleaning, security, maintenance, and IT
• Coordinate planned and reactive maintenance (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, infrastructure)
• Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation, fire safety, risk assessments, and building regulations
• Act as key liaison with the outsourced IT provider to ensure smooth technology operations across all locations
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to uphold high facilities standards
• Manage facilities budgets, track performance, and report to senior leadership
• Respond promptly to tenant issues and ensure professional resolution
• Support office fit-outs, refurbishments, and relocations as needed

About You

• Proven experience managing multiple commercial office buildings (essential)
• Strong technical knowledge of facilities systems and building operations
• Experience working with or overseeing outsourced IT services in a commercial office environment
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Financially literate, with experience managing facilities-related budgets
• Ability to work independently, travel between sites, and manage a wide range of external contractors

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities management (preferably in multi-site office environments)
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification (desired but not essential)
• FM-related certification (e.g. BIFM, IWFM) is an advantage
• Full UK driving licence (required for travel between sites)

Benefits

• Company pension scheme (4% employer / 4% employee contribution)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Medicash health plan
• Life assurance
• Weekly lunch allowance
• Summer and Christmas team events

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this role. Applications are being managed by an external recruitment partner on behalf of the hiring company.