Head of Facilities Management

The Head of Facilities Management is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and technical oversight of all facilities within Fortes’s portfolio. The role ensures the delivery of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and inspiring built environment that supports the organization’s educational mission and growth strategy. This leader will drive innovation in facility operations, sustainability, and digital building management systems.

• Conduct safety drills, audits, and risk assessments to maintain the highest safety standards.
• Align facilities management strategy with Fortes’s broader organizational goals, supporting excellence in education delivery through world-class infrastructure.
• Ensure full operational functionality of Building Management Systems (BMS) for monitoring and optimization of energy and equipment performance.
• Oversee maintenance, operations, and repairs across all MEP, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, civil, and safety systems.
• Ensure reliable and efficient operation of all facilities, minimizing downtime and maximizing learning continuity.
• Monitor and evaluate contractor and service provider performance against SLAs and KPIs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive facilities management strategy covering maintenance, sustainability, risk management, and asset optimization.
• Implement advanced Building Management Systems (BMS) and smart technologies to enhance monitoring, efficiency, and predictive maintenance.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, KHDA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Implement centralized CAFM systems for asset management, work order tracking, and reporting.
• Provide technical input during planning, design, and execution of construction, refurbishment, and expansion projects.
• Conduct regular site audits, inspections, and HSE assessments to ensure compliance and performance excellence.
• Negotiate and optimize vendor contracts for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage project commissioning, snag rectification, and handover processes.
• Optimize operational costs through data-driven decision-making, vendor performance management, and strategic asset lifecycle planning.
• Lead the procurement, evaluation, and management of Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs).
• Build a high-performing facilities team through strong leadership, mentoring, and professional development programs.
• Advise the executive team on long-term infrastructure planning, energy efficiency, and capital investments.
• Lead the transition toward greener, energy-efficient, and sustainable facilities across all sites.
• Lead multi-site facilities operations with a focus on standardization, efficiency, and service quality.
• Review MEP drawings, cost estimates, and BOQs for technical and financial soundness.
• Manage staff accommodation, ensuring all units meet operational, safety, and comfort standards.
• Drive sustainability initiatives include LEED/BREEAM compliance, waste reduction, and renewable energy integration.
• Lead emergency preparedness, crisis response, and HSE awareness initiatives.

• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills
• In-depth knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS), automation, and smart building technologies.
• Ability to lead diverse teams across multiple sites
• Strong background in sustainability and energy efficiency practices.
• Proven expertise in MEP, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and civil systems.
• Expertise in BMS and smart facilities management
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Crisis management and resilience planning
• 12–15 years of facilities management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing large-scale, multi-site operations (preferably in education, healthcare, or hospitality sectors).
• Strong technical and analytical acumen
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering (mandatory); Master’s degree or professional certification (IFMA, CFM, RICS, PMP) preferred.
• Proficient in CAFM systems, BMS software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid UAE Driving License.