Operations Manager - Assets - Inside IR35 - £96 per hour - Bedfordshire - Ashdown Group : Job Details

A government body is seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Assets to be responsible delivering a consistent, high-quality service across all our locations and leading teams covering Estates, Maintenance, Facilities, and Minor Works—ensuring our buildings are safe, legally compliant, well-maintained, and aligned with strategic goals.

Based in the Shefford area, with willingness to participate in an out of hours on-call rota. This is a contract role for initially 12 weeks from approximately 22 nd September and paying £95.81 per hour, less deductions for insurance, taxes and umbrella company charges (PAYE £74.32 per hour). The closing date is Tuesday 9 th September.

Duties will include:

• Lead and develop the Council’s Operational estates, facilities, maintenance, and minor works

• Oversee a robust maintenance management system (planned and reactive), ensuring operational compliance and strategic delivery.

• Manage cleaning, security, and maintenance services—leading procurement, contractor performance, and value-for-money evaluations.

• Act as Contract Manager with responsibility for contract governance, supplier relationships, and performance outcomes.

• Oversee investment planning and minor works across our estate, including upgrades, repairs, and compliance with lease obligations.

• Identify service-wide objectives, manage risk, and ensure the development and performance of your teams.

• Support the Head of Asset Management in embedding the Corporate Landlord approach across the Council.

• Deputise for the Head of Asset Management 

To be suitable for this role you must be degree educated in Facilities or Estates Management with proven experience in large, multi-site organisations. It is essential to have strong facilities and estate management including lease and landlord-tenant knowledge with excellent change management, financial management, strategic oversight and people management skills.