Client Overview
East Surrey College, a leading institution in the Further Education sector, prioritizes a safe, efficient, and well-maintained campus to support its diverse student body, staff, and visitors. With its commitment to quality education and continuous improvement, the college sought a Deputy Facilities Manager to support the Head of Facilities, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and maintaining operational excellence across all facilities and estates.
The Challenge
The college required a Deputy Facilities Manager with a solid foundation in facilities management and the ability to provide both strategic and hands-on support. This role was crucial for supervising the facilities team, managing contractors, and ensuring Health and Safety compliance across campus operations. Additionally, the candidate needed to possess excellent organisational and leadership skills, as they would be overseeing daily operational tasks and deputising for the Head of Facilities when needed.
Key challenges included:
• Sourcing a candidate with specific expertise in facilities management within an educational environment, with an understanding of Health and Safety and safeguarding in an academic setting.
• Finding someone with leadership capabilities to supervise Premises Officers and other staff, effectively handling performance management, staff development, and shift allocations.
• Identifying a candidate adaptable to diverse responsibilities, including compliance, contractor management, emergency response, budget support, and inventory management.
Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Facilities Manager role involved:
• Supervising facilities personnel, including Premises Officers, and ensuring high standards of service.
• Assisting the Head of Facilities in managing contractors, maintenance work, and compliance with college policies.
• Overseeing security, including CCTV, and maintaining fire equipment across college sites.
• Supporting Health and Safety initiatives, conducting risk assessments, and implementing effective emergency response protocols.
• Managing resources, stock control, and budgets, while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Contributing to the development of policies, quality improvement plans, and supporting the college’s transition to digital documentation.
Solution and Approach
With our extensive network and experience in recruiting for facilities management roles in the education sector, we undertook a strategic approach to find the ideal candidate. The recruitment process involved:
• Identifying candidates with facilities management experience in educational or similar environments who could meet the specific demands of a high-visibility role.
• Evaluating leadership and people management skills, ensuring the candidate could handle staff appraisals, scheduling, and performance management activities.
• Assessing knowledge of Health and Safety regulations and compliance, especially in areas crucial to student and staff safety.
• Testing adaptability and proactive problem-solving skills, essential for handling emergencies, managing contractors, and deputising for senior management.
Through targeted outreach and rigorous assessment, we identified a candidate with a comprehensive background in facilities management, relevant technical expertise, and strong interpersonal skills.
The Outcome
Our chosen candidate successfully transitioned into the Deputy Facilities Manager role, bringing immediate value to East Surrey College. Highlights of the placement include:
• Enhanced operational efficiency and streamlined facilities services across college sites.
• Improved Health and Safety compliance, including regular inspections, safeguarding measures, and emergency readiness.
• Strong team leadership and coordination, ensuring reliable day-to-day operations and fostering a cohesive facilities team.
• Effective resource and budget management, identifying opportunities for cost savings and ensuring resource availability for all facilities needs.
The successful placement has strengthened East Surrey College’s facilities management operations, supporting the institution’s mission of providing a safe, high-quality learning environment. This case exemplifies Maxwell Stephens' expertise in matching educational institutions with facilities management professionals who add long-term value.