Head of Hard FM

Location: London, Manchester or BirminghamAbout:The Hard Services Manager is responsible for developing, delivering, and continuously improving the hard facilities management (FM) strategy across a national property portfolio. This includes ensuring statutory compliance, driving operational excellence, and enhancing system resilience through innovation and emerging technologies.The role is pivotal in supporting the growth of PFM beyond the core Praxis portfolio by building the infrastructure, consistency, and credibility required to scale Hard FM operations effectively. The postholder will lead the translation of strategic priorities into high-performing, customer-focused delivery across a diverse portfolio including shopping centres, business parks, commercial offices, and public realm spaces.They will act as the senior operational lead, working closely with FM teams, Property Managers, and client stakeholders to ensure robust, adaptable, and site-specific service delivery. The role also focuses on building future capability by strengthening systems, compliance frameworks, and talent pipelines to support new mandates and large-scale mobilisations.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadershipSet the strategic vision for Hard FM aligned to business and asset goals.Lead, develop, and coach multi-disciplinary teams.Promote a safety-first, high-performance culture.Act as the senior escalation point for critical issues.Business PlanningTranslate portfolio strategies into actionable Hard FM plans.Develop long-term maintenance and asset strategies.Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.Define KPIs and operational performance targets.ComplianceEnsure full statutory, regulatory, and internal compliance (e.g. SFG20, H&S at Work Act, LOLER, PSSR, F-Gas).Maintain strong audit trails and lead audits.Oversee risk assessments, gap analyses, and post-incident improvements.Act as duty holder or appoint competent persons as required.Financial ManagementManage Hard FM budgets and forecasts.Drive value through supplier negotiations and performance benchmarking.Oversee lifecycle planning and capital replacement forecasts.Monitor spend, variations, and financial risks.Operational ManagementDeliver high-quality planned and reactive maintenance services.Monitor in-house and supplier performance via SLAs, KPIs, and audits.Lead service mobilisation and demobilisation across sites.Ensure CAFM system integrity, asset data accuracy, and proper documentation.Technical LeadershipMaintain expert knowledge of building services (HVAC, electrical, fire, BMS).Provide technical advice on risks, lifecycle, and performance.Set and uphold engineering and maintenance standards.Support complex fault diagnosis and project design reviews.Work Winning & Client EngagementSupport bids, tenders, and re-bids with technical input.Represent Hard FM capabilities in client pitches and due diligence.Lead FM service design for new instructions or refurbishments.Build strong client relationships through performance and innovation.Innovation & ImprovementDrive adoption of new FM technologies (IoT, condition monitoring, CAFM upgrades).Explore delivery model improvements including insourcing or hybrid approaches.Lead continuous improvement and performance benchmarking.Embed ESG principles, particularly around energy and asset efficiency.Requirements:Strong technical knowledge of Hard FM, building services, and asset management including relevant professional / technical qualifications and or membership of relevant industry bodies.Expertise in regulatory compliance, health & safety, and statutory requirements.Strong leadership, operational people management and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to analyse data and implement performance improvement strategies.Commercial acumen with experience in contract negotiation, supplier management, and bid support.Knowledge of sustainability practices and energy efficiency in facilities management.Proficiency in FM technology, asset management systems, and reporting tools.Experience in self-delivery models and optimising in-house service operations.Involvement in bid and tender processes to support business growth and contract acquisition.Experience in leveraging technology and data analytics for FM performance improvement.Proactive and results-driven mindset.Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.Commitment to continuous professional development and industry innovation.Benefits:Competitive Salary + Discretionary Bonus25 days holiday per year plus bank holidaysPMI and Healthcare Cash Plan5% Company Pension Contribution3x Life AssuranceOur Values:Professionalism | We seek to outperform expectations with individuals able to express themselves whilst always upholding the highest professional standardsOwnership | Every asset, problem or opportunity is treated as though it is our own. The group delivers all real estate services in house and never outsources responsibility or blameEntrepreneurialism | We challenge convention constantly encouraging imaginative solutions and rigorous debate in pursuit of better performance. Everyone is empowered to make decisionsMeritocracy | Results, hard work and good ideas trump age, experience, and meaningless job titles. We have built a diverse team where everyone encouraged to work collaboratively to reach their full potentialAction This Day | We never put off anything until tomorrow that can be done todayAgency Notice We do not accept speculative CVs or introductions from recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement from a member of our HR or Talent Acquisition team will be treated as unsolicited, and Praxis will not be liable for any associated fees or introductions. Agencies must have explicit, written instruction to work on a specific role before submitting candidates.