About The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
About the role
The EMS Facilities Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Facilities Management function within Estate Management Services (EMS). The role holds overall accountability for the integrated delivery of facilities services across the Institute.
Reporting to the EMS Senior Programme & Operations Manager, the post leads a consolidated model incorporating facilities services and operations, the engineering ,science equipment Helpdesk, and resource allocation. The postholder is responsible for embedding a single, consistent management framework that strengthens service integration, reduces duplication and ensures clear governance and decision-making.
The role holds end-to-end responsibility for the performance and continuous improvement of site cleaning (excluding specific areas and Animal Facilities), laundry and autoclave operations, residential housing accommodation, and non-laboratory areas facilities support across. It also oversees the centralised FM Helpdesk and the coordinated scheduling of maintenance, servicing and equipment-related works. This includes accountability for service standards, workforce planning, budget control, risk management and compliance, ensuring services are appropriately resourced, resilient and aligned to operational priorities.
Leading the integrated Facilities Management Team. The EMS Facilities Manager works closely with EMS Programme & Operations Management, Engineering, Compliance and Laboratory Management to ensure effective delivery of work programmes.
The role requires attendance at designated meetings to coordinate shutdowns, planning of maintenance activities and works impacting access to facilities. Through structured reporting, proactive stakeholder engagement and oversight of resource allocation, the role ensures facilities operations remain efficient, fit for purpose and aligned with the Institute’s current and future infrastructure needs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Facilities Leadership
- Lead the integrated Facilities Management function within EMS, incorporating central services, facilities operations, Helpdesk (incorporating engineering and science equipment) and resource allocation.
- Develop and deliver a Facilities Operational Plan aligned to Institute priorities and scientific requirements.
- Embed a consistent management framework for maintenance, equipment servicing, scheduling and service delivery across site.
- Contribute to Institute-wide infrastructure planning, including lifecycle management, asset strategy and future facilities requirements.
Service Integration & Operational Oversight
- Coordinate with Laboratory Managers and facility users to plan and oversee facilities works affecting access to laboratories and containment facilities, ensuring activities across operational environments (including CL2, CL3 high-containment and SAPO-licensed areas) are scheduled to minimise operational disruption and undertaken in accordance with site biosafety and regulatory requirements
- Hold end-to-end accountability for the delivery of site cleaning (excluding specific areas and Animal Facilities), laundry, autoclave operations, laboratory and facilities waste handling and collection services, residential housing accommodation, and non-laboratory facilities support across site.
- Oversee the Engineering and Science Equipment Helpdesk, and the coordinated scheduling of their servicing and maintenance.
- Ensure effective resource allocation, service resilience and structured shutdown planning in collaboration with Laboratory Management and EMS Engineering.
- Engage proactively with facility users and the Lab Management Lead to plan works impacting access to facilities and minimise operational disruption.
Financial, Asset & Governance Accountability
- Lead budget planning, financial control and forecasting across the Facilities Management remit.
- Support asset lifecycle management and implementation of the Lifecycle & Obsolescence (L&O) strategy across equipment categories.
- Ensure robust governance, reporting, performance monitoring and risk management across facilities operations.
- Drive continuous improvement, service standardisation and sustainable operational efficiencies across site.
Leadership & Capability
- Leadership of facilities delivery team, foster a collaborative, service-focused and safety-conscious team culture.
- Provide direct line management to the Facilities Management Supervisor, Helpdesk Supervisor and Housing & Facilities Officer, ensuring clarity of accountability and high performance.
- Lead workforce planning, succession planning and cross-training to strengthen resilience and capability.
- Work closely with Lab Management Lead and engage with Science and other key stakeholders to understand science requirements and support the delivery of the Laboratory Management Operational Plan.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the science activity, laboratory use and equipment requirements.
- Contribute to future infrastructure design and champion initiatives to improve sustainability and ways of working
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
Role Requirements:
Essential
- Significant experience in facilities management, estates operations or integrated service delivery within a complex or regulated environment.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary operational teams and integrating services across functions.
- Demonstrable experience of budget management, forecasting and cost control.
- Experience overseeing asset management, maintenance programmes and lifecycle planning.
- Strong working knowledge of health, safety and compliance requirements relevant to facilities operations.
- Ability to lead operational strategy and translate organisational priorities into deliverable service plans.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across technical, scientific and corporate functions.
- Ability to balance day-to-day operational delivery with longer-term planning and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving skills and decision-making capability.
- Ability to positively lead change, standardise processes and embed improved ways of working.
- Experience of leading, developing and performance-managing teams.
- Ability to build resilient, collaborative and high-performing teams.
Desirable
- Professional qualification in Facilities Management, Project Management, Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience working within research, scientific, healthcare, high-containment or similarly regulated environment.
- Knowledge of asset lifecycle and obsolescence strategy implementation.
- Experience implementing or managing centralised helpdesk or service management systems (e.g. TOPdesk or equivalent).
What Pirbright offers you·
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
- Cycle to work
- Subsidised staff restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric Car charging facilities
Ready to make a difference?
If you are an experienced operational facilities management professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity within a prestigious scientific institute, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
We look forward to hearing from you!
