Deputy Head of Facilities

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Join to apply for the Deputy Head of Facilities & Operations role at UWC South East Asia

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UWCSEA has a permanent vacancy at its East Campus for a Deputy Head of Facilities & Operations.

The Deputy Head of Facilities & Operations at UWCSEA East will oversee the coordination and management of maintenance, operational, and building activities under the direction of the Head of Operations and Facilities. This includes managing key services such as Hard Services; plumbing, M&E, carpentry, and Soft Services; gardening, housekeeping, catering, transport, and security, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the campus in a cost efficient manner. These services include a mix of in-house staff and outsourced vendors. The Deputy Head of Facilities & Operations is the primary contact point for all stakeholders on the East Campus in relation to these services.

This hands-on role requires the individual to monitor and improve existing systems, develop strategies for continuous improvement, and maintain effective communication channels for all service users and act as the point of contact for emergency situations. Success will be measured by the quality of services provided, the efficiency of operations, and the development of staff. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with strong problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and the ability to lead and motivate teams to deliver high-quality services.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the campus facilities and operations, ensuring all systems and services are functioning efficiently.
• Supervise maintenance activities, ensuring timely repairs and upkeep of campus buildings and grounds.
• Lead and supervise teams across various departments (e.g., technical support, gardening, housekeeping, security, transport).
• Hire, train, develop, and motivate staff to ensure high performance and effective service delivery.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and excellence among members of staff.
• Develop and manage the budget for facilities and operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising service quality.
• Oversee departmental procurement and development of tender specifications for materials, services, and equipment and ensure within allocated budget.
• Coordinate routine inspections and preventive maintenance schedules for buildings, grounds, and equipment.
• Ensure any urgent repairs or operational issues are addressed promptly to avoid disruptions to services.
• Oversee construction and renovation projects when needed.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, creating a safe environment for staff, students, and visitors.
• Implement safety protocols and manage emergency preparedness plans (e.g., fire drills, evacuation procedures).
• Manage relationships with external contractors and service providers (e.g., cleaning, security, transport services).
• Oversee contract negotiations and ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery to all internal and external customers (students, staff, parents, and visitors).
• Respond to customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders (East Leadership Team, Parent Association, Student Council etc.) to ensure their needs are understood and met.
• Analyze current systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for optimizing efficiency.
• Implement continuous improvement programs and new initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Support and lead sustainability initiatives related to energy management, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
• Ensure departmental adherence to sustainable practices, contributing to environmental conservation.
• Regularly report on operational performance, maintenance activities, budgets, and staffing to senior management.
• Maintain records and documentation related to facilities management, including inspections, repairs, and compliance.
• Respond to and manage any crises, emergencies, or unexpected disruptions in services (e.g., power outages, flooding).
• Ensure business continuity plans are in place for unforeseen circumstances.
• Acting as the Site Incident Controller (SIC) in emergency situations, coordinating the campus CERT members.

Person Specifications

• Minimum a degree in general management, facilities or related discipline but may be substituted by progressive equivalent job experience and/or vocational qualifications.
• Other professional qualifications related to the job scope.
• At least 7 to 10 years of work experience in all areas of operational management in an institutional setting, with 5 years in a managerial position.
• Experience should include a varied background and significant knowledge of managing multiple operations such as, Hard Services; M&E systems, equipment maintenance and repairs, Soft Services; Reception, Security, Cleaning, Transport Services, and Food Services.
• Strong knowledge of the Workplace Safety & Health Act and the Biz Safe framework required.
• Experience in a multicultural environment and dealing with stakeholders from around the world.
• An understanding of budgetary processes and financial management in large organisations.
• Understanding of the principles of organizational culture and behaviour of various socio-economic background of more than 150 members of staff.
• Knowledge of human resource development systems and processes.
• Knowledge of the role and use of technology to support delivery of services.
• Knowledge of the role of team dynamics within a working environment.
• Experience in a large educational institution with more than 4000 community members will be a distinct advantage.
• Strong leadership, influencing skills and good business acumen.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and effective interpersonal skill
• Excellent analytical skills; ability to interpret and evaluate problems and provide practical, cost effective solutions.
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills: written, spoken and in presentations and IT proficiency.
• A passion for people management with outstanding interpersonal skills: a good listener with a collaborative management style and proven ability to develop and lead talented staff.
• Excellent skills of self-management and a track record of self-motivation and self-driven.
• Honesty, integrity, compassion, and a good sense of humour.
• Professionally credible across all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to develop a sense of community and generate trust with all constituent groups.
• Strong organizational and proven problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of construction, maintenance, and building operations including building and safety codes, policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to develop short and long-range plans that meet established objectives and contribute to the overall goals and mission of the College.

Applications

Apply via our job portal by Friday, 22 August :59 Singapore Time

The UWC Mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and culture for peace and a sustainable future. We are committed to creating a community in which all members feel safe and secure, and know that their authentic selves and individual differences are accepted with respect and care. At UWCSEA, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) is an ongoing and evolving process and strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging for all members of our community, past, present and future. All qualified applicants, including those who identify as a part of marginalised group(s) and individuals with (dis)abilities are all encouraged to apply. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and all appointments are subject to interview, satisfactory references, identity and criminal record checks.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Management

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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