The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for an Estates Manager, job grade Executive Officer (EO), on a fixed term contract for two (2) years.

The jobholder will manage the Estate of the British Embassy in Riyadh. You will directly manage the Estates, Facilities, and Technical Works teams in Riyadh. You will work with both teams to ensure HM Government properties are health and safety compliant, fit for purpose now and in the near future, and meet the needs of both Missions in enabling them to achieve goals set whilst utilising the Estate to its full potential. You will be the commercial contract lead for Estates and have day-to-day oversight of the Estates budget. You will also provide deputising cover for the Deputy Head of Corporate Services for the Saudi Network.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Manage residential, office properties, and facilities, both owned and rented, ensuring the Embassy’s property portfolio is maintained to the correct standard, is compliant with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Health and Safety guidelines, fits space limits, and that rented properties are within the set Beacon Rent ceilings.
• Own and manage delivery of the programme of planned preventative maintenance and ensure that regular inspections and statutory testing is done, global asset reports are followed up and actioned, and report and track health and safety incidents and concerns.
• Project manage refurbishment and other scheduled works or initiatives that improve the Embassy’s Estate, making it a good environment in which to work and live. Co-ordinate suppliers including HM Government and local contractors as necessary.
• Support the Head of Estates and Transport to prepare for the Post Housing Committee (PHC)
• Act as Procurement Lead for all Estates-related spend under the direction of Head of Estates and Transport and Head of Corporate Services and in partnership with the Procurement Hub in Manilla. Ensure FCDO procurement guidelines are followed for all levels of spend. Seek to build the local supplier market and engage in tendering, quotations, evaluation, and contract award activities.
• Act as Contract Manager for all Estates-related contracts, ensuring suppliers carry out tasks according to KPIs and SLA agreed. Lead on building relations with key Estate suppliers to ensure value for money. This includes negotiations with local landlords and estate agents.
• Ensure consistent application of FCDO Estate policy and procedures in Riyadh.
• Work closely with a wide variety of colleagues, professional contacts, staff in country, experts, and technical professionals within KSA, Middle East region, and in the UK.
• Serve as Health and Safety Administrator, promoting Post Health and Safety Mission Statements as instructed by Health and Safety Chair and Deputy. Ensure all incidents are reported in a timely manner through the H&S portal. Act as Secretary for the H&S Committee.
• Work in co-ordination with the Regional Overseas Security Manager (appointed Fire Safety Manager) for all Fire Safety provisions.

The jobholder will also line manage two (2) Corporate Services Assistants based in Riyadh and the Technical Works Group team and will have day-to-day management of Estates budget (c1m SAR).

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis. 

Key behaviours required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Delivering at Pace – Taking responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications, and risks of decisions.

Eligibility:

• The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
• The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• Previous relevant experience of property/ estates management.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Flexible, resilient under pressure, and decisive, with a proven track record of delivering results regularly within tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Confident and strong communicator with high customer focus and able to tailor approach to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely to different audiences.
• Proven ability to engage and influence at all levels internally and with external contacts and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with stakeholders.
• Strong IT computer skills and in using MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).