Head of Working Environment

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 8,250 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

A unique opportunity has arisen to join SYSTRA as Head of Working Environment, to drive forward and implement our Property and Facilities Management strategies across the portfolio of 12 UK & Ireland offices. This is a fast-paced role with significant change and development across the property portfolio planned over the short and medium term. We are seeking someone who can bring ideas and best practice to the role whilst also leading a dedicated team based in various locations and managing the broader core duties of the role. The role could be primarily based from our offices in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Leeds or York and there will be requirements to travel and be present in those locations on a relatively regular basis.

Main Duties:

• To lead on property management and implementing property strategy for the business, presenting opportunities for improvement, consolidation and cost savings.
• To reinforce a positive and professional working environment through provision of excellent front of house services
• Provide support and leadership to the function with line management responsibility for the regional Facilities Managers, Office Managers and Administrators
• Managing the process for acquiring new properties, including working closely with external property solicitors, preparing design briefs and making decisions on the final look and feel of the offices
• Working with external fit out contractors to design new office layouts with overall responsibility for office fit outs and moves
• Liaison with office leads and stakeholders on Property & Facilities matters
• Ensuring operational efficiency and service excellence across the function.
• Overseeing the management of all hard and soft facilities and associated costs
• Ensuring facilities compliance with environmental and health & safety standards
• Ensuring compliance with SYSTRA guidance with regards to supplier selection and compliance checks
• Work closely with the H&S & ICT leads on day to day management and operations
• Continually seeking ways to improve services and procedures for office and home workers
• Regular liaison with Group FM in Paris
• Liaising with Managing Agents on larger or more urgent matters relating to the property and services provided including information requested by auditors
• Management of Hot Desk booking system and reporting
• Property & Facilities Business Continuity planning and monthly management reporting
• Setting and managing the Property & Facilities annual budget and managing CAPEX spend with continual focus on cost savings and achieving value for money
• Provide hands on support and leadership to the offices on Facilities Management activities.

Experience Required:

• Member of IWFM
• Significant experience in Property Management including all activities relating to acquiring properties and lease negotiation.
• Deep experience in Facilities Management
• Knowledge of statutory compliance requirements within a commercial office
• Experience of managing office fit-out projects and office moves
• Experienced in budget setting and management
• Experience managing 3rd party supplier relationships
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Customer service skills and experience
• Strong problem solving, planning and organisational skills
• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet the demands of the role
• Ability to travel to other SYSTRA offices will be required

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility
Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how Systra can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments to support you in your application or interview process please email: reasonableadjustments@systra.com  where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.