Our Story

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.  

Why Work for Us:

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.  

The FM will be involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, particularly in relation to buildings and premises. Likely areas of responsibility include:

• Building maintenance.

• Cleaning.

• Catering equipment and vending.

• Health and safety.

• Procurement and contract management.

• Utilities and communications infrastructure.

• Permit to work systems.

• Duties will vary widely depending on the customer requirements, but will generally focus on using best business practice to improve efficiency, by reducing operating costs while increasing productivity.

Responsibilities will cover several groups and departments, as well as central services that link to all the teams in the organisation. In some instances, duties may include more practical and hands-on tasks. It is probable that the FM will be responsible for more than one site.

Typical tasks may include:

• preparing documents to put out tenders for contractors;

• project management and supervising and coordinating the work of contractors;

• calculating and comparing costs for required goods or services to achieve maximum value for money;

• planning for future development in line with strategic business objectives;

• managing and leading change to ensure minimum disruption to core activities;

• directing, coordinating and planning essential central services such as maintenance, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling;

• ensuring the building meets health and safety requirements and that facilities comply with legislation;

• keeping staff safe;

• checking that agreed work by staff or contractors has been completed satisfactorily and following up on any deficiencies;

Operations

• Carrying out the weekly operation audits of the Hard Service Manager in respect to Cleaning, Security and M+E.

• Provide a central point of liaison for both helpdesks direct to Accenture.

• Assist in the management of the finances with control over all supplier POs.

• Provide local support in liaising with the Landlord’s team. This would also include liaison with the local security, cleaning and maintenance contractors to achieve a co-ordinated and integrated operation.

• Provide support through co-ordination and liaison to the M+E manager to enable the achievement of specific Project requirements.

• To provide assistance to the Accenture operational team whilst the Hard Services Manager is on leave for less than 3 days in a week (Over 3 days will be covered by another Avison Young FM).

• Carry out a monthly Workplace Services Building Audit (1 building a week)

• Management of the Permit tracker (after appropriate SharePoint training) Projects

• Centralised control during the defect management period with the communication to Accenture contractors on minor project defects from practical completion to defect liability closure.

• Manage the permit liaison with each Landlord at all premises.

Experience

• The post holder should have experience in displaying excellent communication, administration and IT skills, an enthusiasm for working with people, and can demonstrate a flexible approach in providing first class facilities services in a multi-client demised environment.

• 1 – 2 years previous experience in a similar environment.

Technical Skills

The Client’s Operation

• An understanding of the Client’s businesses, their functions and the role of the Avison Young within the organisations.

Regulatory

• A sound understanding of the operation of the FM team and the effect of legislation on its performance / capability.

• An understanding of statutory obligations within the client’s businesses e.g. financial and contractual controls, data protection and Health, Safety and Environmental legislation.

Technical

• A broad knowledge and competency in the Facilities Management discipline and a basic understanding of building processes.

• An understanding of building engineering systems and maintenance, building fabric maintenance, cleaning, security systems and associated support services.

• Experience in managing M&E and Cleaning suppliers

• IOSH qualified

Financial

• The ability to operate within agreed budgets and guidelines.

• Ability to set FM budgets, review/approve invoices, and reconcile FM budgets.

• Experience and knowledge in the development of operating budgets and financial control systems.

• Experience in dealing with building service charge, rates, rent and insurance cost.

• A sound understanding of financial/variance reporting, authorisation procedures and supplier payment processes.

Office / IT Systems

• Competent user of Microsoft Office software, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Competent in the use of internet / intranet tools,

Ability to operate and interpret bespoke Client systems e.g. telephone, Software etc.

Communication

• Excellent IT and communication skills.

• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation, including the client, suppliers and subordinates.

• Excellent written communication skills, with well-structured reports, presentations and general correspondence.

• Ability to give and receive clear formal instructions.

• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidentiality.

• Responds constructively in times of conflict

• Great problem solving skills are required.

• Display excellent attention to detail.

• Must demonstrate drive, enthusiasm and ambition.

• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workload.

Teamwork and Leadership

• Proven skills in the leadership, development and motivation of multi-functional teams.

• Demonstrates a collaborative approach in the management of the client, subordinates and third parties.

• The ability to put team and Client objectives before personal objectives and other considerations.

Results Focus

• Open to new ideas and is not averse to change.

• Displays initiative in the delivery of objectives and targets.

Supplier Management

• Proven skills in the management of a diverse supply chain.

• Has the ability to develop strong relationships with service providers and seeks a concept of continuous improvement.

• The ability to develop SLAs and other performance measurement criteria to demonstrate the effectiveness of the supply chain.

• Understands the requirements of the Client and is able to translate these into clear, concise service specifications and procurement documentation.

At Avison Young, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that empowers all of our employees to thrive, be successful and feel a sense of belonging. Avison Young is an equal opportunities employer, and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equally. If you are person with a disability, if you are neurodivergent, or if you have a condition that you believe may affect your performance during our selection process, Avison Young will be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes for you.