Job Description

Farnham Castle Weddings and Events, Farnham, Surrey

Farnham Castle is a Grade I listed, 900-year-old landmark in Surrey, previously host to monarchs, now a luxury event venue with 34 bedrooms and multiple event spaces and extensive grounds. We are seeking an experienced and versatile Facilities & Grounds Manager to oversee all aspects of operational maintenance, compliance, and preservation of this historic property.

Job Summary:

This is a unique opportunity for a professional who can combine strategic oversight with hands-on delivery. We are seeking a dedicated and versatile candidate will ensure the Castle's heritage features are protected while supporting its role as a modern, high-end events venue.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Strategic Management

Lead the Facilities and Grounds teams in day-to-day operations (delivering Weddings, parties and corporate events), preventive maintenance, and restoration projects. Safeguard and maintain historic features such as clock towers, chapels, original floors, windows, and doors. Deliver renovation and improvement projects with conservation bodies and specialist contractors, ensuring works align with heritage and luxury standards.

Team & Contractor Oversight

Manage, motivate, and develop the maintenance team, including rota planning, holidays, appraisals, and uniforms. Oversee contractor and supplier performance, negotiating contracts and ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality. Manage inventories of tools, equipment, and supplies for efficient operations. Hands-On technical work applying skills across multiple trades, including:
- Carpentry: repair/replace doors, skirting, mouldings, panelling; restore original flooring and furniture.

- Plumbing: organising servicing of and maintenance to heating systems, water supplies, drainage; repair cisterns, taps, radiators, and valves.

- Electrical: replace sockets, switches, and fittings; maintain security cameras; carry out fault-finding.

- Decorating: complete interior and exterior works to a high standard, including ornate ceilings and panelling.

- IT/AV Systems: maintain servers, sound systems, projectors, microphones, and conferencing equipment.

- Horticulture and grounds maintenance: Oversee the care of 5 acres of grounds, servicing of garden machinery, care of flower beds, lawns and kitchen gardens, ensure immaculate presentation of driveways, car parks etc, manage tree felling and coppicing.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure full compliance with health & safety, fire safety, legionella, and electrical regulations. Conduct audits, review risk assessments, and implement robust safety procedures across the site.

Financial & Stakeholder Management

Control and monitor maintenance budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and value for money. Provide reports on performance, compliance, risks, and repair vs replacement decisions. Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors, trustees, heritage organisations, and local authorities.

Essential Skills & Experience

- Proven experience in facilities management, ideally within a heritage, hospitality, or listed-building environment.

- Strong technical skills across carpentry, plumbing, electrical, decorating, and AV/IT systems.

- Demonstrable success in managing contractors, suppliers, and budgets.

- Comprehensive understanding of compliance frameworks (H&S, fire safety, legionella, electrical).

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams.

- Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

- Ability to balance hands-on technical work with strategic oversight.

Desirable

- IOSH Trained

- Managerial Experience

- Relevant qualifications in facilities management, health & safety, or a technical trade.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience. Paid holidays. Training and development opportunities. A supportive and friendly working environment.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and why they are a good fit for this role to glupton@farnhamcastle.com.

Salary - From 40,000 pa - 40 hrs per week (salary subject to experience)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Farnham GU9 0AG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person