Job Description

Ref: OR12421
Location: Bedford (SG17)
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Pay: 95.81 per hour paid weekly via umbrella - inside IR35
Duration: Ongoing Contract - Long Term
Duties
As Operational Service Manager, you'll be responsible for delivering a consistent, high-quality service across all our locations. You'll lead teams covering Estates, Maintenance, Facilities, and Minor Works--ensuring our buildings are safe, legally compliant, well-maintained, and aligned with strategic goals.
This is a fast-paced, high-impact role that sits at the heart of our Corporate Landlord model. You will act as the primary link between internal stakeholders, external contractors, and service providers--ensuring that our sites are not only operationally sound, but also future-ready.

• Lead and develop the Council's Operational estates, facilities, maintenance, and minor works
• Oversee a robust maintenance management system (planned and reactive), ensuring operational compliance and strategic delivery.
• Manage cleaning, security, and maintenance services--leading procurement, contractor performance, and value-for-money evaluations.
• Act as Contract Manager with responsibility for contract governance, supplier relationships, and performance outcomes.
• Oversee investment planning and minor works across our estate, including upgrades, repairs, and compliance with lease obligations.
• Identify service-wide objectives, manage risk, and ensure the development and performance of your teams.
• Support the Head of Asset Management in embedding the Corporate Landlord approach across the Council.
• Deputise for the Head of Asset Management

What We're Looking For

• A degree-qualified professional in Facilities or Estates Management with substantial experience in large, multi-site organisations.
• Strong expertise in both Facilities and Estates Management--including lease and landlord-tenant knowledge.

Skills Required