Contract Director

An exceptional opportunity for an experienced, confident leader with a proven record in managing large-scale Facilities Management (FM) and maintenance contracts.

You’ll be responsible for the strategic, commercial, and operational leadership of the South West Built Estate contract—driving performance, value, and excellence across all areas of service delivery.

The role demands a strong people manager with the ability to inspire, communicate, and motivate teams, build effective partnerships, and deliver sustainable, high-quality outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Take full accountability for the financial and operational performance of a £70m maintenance contract.

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic plans aligned with client expectations and company objectives.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring strong financial control and value for money.

• Identify opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency across the contract.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as senior point of contact for clients and key stakeholders, building trusted, collaborative relationships.

• Ensure contract compliance, satisfaction, and consistent delivery of service excellence.

• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to support shared goals and initiatives.

Operational Delivery

• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality hard FM services across complex, multi-site environments.

• Manage both in-house teams and subcontractor partners, ensuring best value and performance.

• Deliver all operational KPIs, SLAs, and statutory compliance requirements.

• Use data insights to drive performance improvement, risk mitigation, and innovation.

• Promote a strong health, safety, and environmental culture, aiming for Zero Harm.

• Lead transformation or change programmes where required to enhance efficiency and service outcomes.

People Leadership & Culture

• Provide visible, inspirational leadership to a diverse, multi-disciplinary workforce.

• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team, ensuring effective succession planning.

• Champion wellbeing, diversity, and professional development across all levels.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure all operations comply with contractual, statutory, and regulatory obligations.

• Identify and manage risks across FM delivery, maintaining strong governance and transparent reporting.

• Support senior leadership through clear communication of contract performance, risks, and opportunities.

Person Specification

Experience

• Senior leadership experience managing large-scale FM or maintenance contracts (typically £50m+).

• Proven success in full P&L ownership, financial management, and commercial performance.

• Strong operational expertise in hard FM, with both direct delivery and subcontractor models.

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and improving performance across complex sites.

• Demonstrated capability in contract mobilisation, transformation, and change management.

• Deep understanding of compliance, health & safety, quality assurance, and risk management.

Education & Skills

• Degree-level education or equivalent, with ongoing professional development.

• Excellent commercial and contractual understanding, including negotiation and performance management.

• Strong analytical and reporting skills, using data to drive strategic and operational decision-making.

• Highly organised with strong project and programme management abilities.

• Proficient in CAFM systems and Microsoft 365.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with sound judgement and strong decision-making capability.

• Resilient and adaptable under pressure, maintaining focus on priorities and results.

• Confident communicator and influencer at all levels, both internally and externally.

• Ambitious, proactive, and committed to delivering service excellence.

• Encourages innovation, accountability, and teamwork in all areas of the business.

Additional Information

• Regular travel across South West England is required, with occasional travel to other UK locations.

• A valid UK driving licence is essential.



Summary

This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of a major FM contract. The successful candidate will combine commercial acumen, operational expertise, and inspiring leadership to deliver outstanding results, build lasting partnerships, and shape the ongoing success of the South West Built Estate.