Senior Building Operations Manager
We are looking for a Senior Building Operations Manager to oversee BAC's operations. You will oversee the care of our venue, operational processes and drive sustainability across the organisation.
Applications close 10pm 14 October 2025. Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an initial interview on 23 October 2025. We can provide a BSL interpreter if required.
The Role
Responsible to: General Manager
Working Closely with: Senior Operations Manager, Visitor Experience and Communities Manager, Senior Events Delivery Manager, Building Hires Manager, Head of Production and Technical and Duty Managers
Responsible for: Building Maintenance Technician and supervision of external contractors
General Description
This role will be part of BAC’s Operations Team. It may be expected to contribute to a range of workstreams, but the role will primarily lead on all our building operations work as set out below.
The Senior Building Operations Manager will oversee the day-to-day building operations of Battersea Arts Centre. As a busy and vibrant arts, community and events space this role will be key in preserving and enhancing this iconic venue’s charm and atmosphere. This role will ensure this historic Grade II* listed RIBA award winning building, and its private road and community garden are maintained to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality. As the Building Manager, you will drive our sustainability commitments through the development of innovative and environmentally conscious practices. We are seeking a Building Manager who is passionate about the care, upkeep and development of our venue to enhance the overall experience for both visitors and staff. This role alongside other Operational Managers will respond and oversee emergency call outs and may be called on out of hours as we are an operational building and open to the public.
The culture at BAC is a collaborative and open one. We work in an open plan space with no closed private offices and frequently work across teams and roles. We are lucky to have an outdoor terrace adjoined to the office which is particularly nice in the summer months. There’s a good culture of people taking lunch breaks away from desks and two equipped kitchen and eating areas where the team tend to spend their down time. We organise regular social events and things can get competitive at our annual sports day and Christmas quiz. Though to be clear, spectating is respected as much as taking part here at BAC!
Role Responsibilities
Strategic/Project Delivery
- Manage the day-to-day operations of all upkeep and maintenance in BAC including the main building and its private road and community garden. Maintain all facilities to meet customer service standards and health & safety regulations;
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement to ensure that BAC is proactively maintained and cared for following best practice and industry standards;
- Monitor and deliver the buildings Planned Preventative Maintenance schedule;
- Keep administration, record keeping, invoicing and inspections up to date and fit for purpose for the yearly health and safety audit. Develop and implement new systems as necessary;
- Whenever practicable, maintain and repair facilities such as plumbing, electrics, plaiting and repairs to the building personally to avoid significant contractor costs;
- Ensure the building is fully complaint in all areas of health & safety, licensing requirements are fulfilled, and buildings and facilities comply with all statutory duties and general best practice;
- Oversee sustainability reporting and measures across the building; strategically engage with measures for improving the building and organisations’ carbon footprint;
- Ensure that all H&S reporting is delivered in a clear and timely fashion.
Team and Collaboration
- Act as the main point of contact for all internal queries relating to the maintenance and upkeep of the building;
- Attend the weekly delivery meetings and ensure clear sharing of information across teams;
- Manage and monitor the maintenance ticket system to ensure requests raised by colleagues are promptly and efficiently resolved.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key contractors including housekeeping, lift servicing and fire & security engineer.
- Collaborate with the Inclusive Practice Manager to enhance BAC’s facilities to enable better access for all in line with BAC’s commitment as a ‘Proactively Inclusive Venue’;
- Co-ordinate regularly with the delivery teams, such as programming, retail and events teams, to ensure a constant upkeep of spaces that supports a smooth operational delivery;
- In association with the Senior Operations Manager, General Manager and Head of Production and Technical, prepare and regularly review all relevant building risk assessments and method statements and ensure accurate records are kept;
- Provide supportive line management to the Building Maintenance Technician and ensure any areas for development and training are identified and addressed. Supervise the Building Maintenance Technician’s work schedule and rota to support business needs.
Skills Contribution
- Champion sustainability within BAC’s operations, proactively identifying challenges and sourcing solutions across all teams, and deliver annual environmental reporting. Managing and monitoring energy usage and waste management;
- Investigate and develop actions to improve existing equipment and increase efficacy and performance of plant, equipment and infrastructure regarding sustainability and enhanced green objectives;
- Manage the venues Asset Management System with co-ordination across all asset-holding teams to ensure records are kept up to date and contracts and compliance certification regularly reviewed;
- Manage and maintain the building’s systems and services including the BMS, the internet, network and hardware; waste and recycling facilities; pest control; CCTV; ventilation and dampers; plant; and lifts.
- Alongside the General Manager and Operational Managers, ensure there are robust safety procedures in place for teams working in the venue;
- Support the General Manager in the implementation of the planned BMS upgrade project to consolidate heating systems across the venue for maximum efficiency.
Business Delivery
- Oversee and manage weekly checks of all areas of the building premises both inside and outside, recording findings and planning preventative maintenance, including water testing, in-service electrical testing, fire alarm and emergency lighting tests;
- Ensure sustainability monitoring and reporting is completed. Work with managers and leaders to improve sustainable practices across the organisation;
- Manage the upkeep of equipment, supplies, storage and COSHH facilities in line with compliance standards and arranging regular clear outs of old, broken or unwanted equipment;
- Act as a keyholder for the venue and respond to call outs for building emergencies when necessary. Occasional morning, evening and weekend work to support maintenance outside of operational hours;
- Manage service contractors and expand the approved suppliers list for routine and callout maintenance. Supervise external contractors on-site to ensure tasks are delivered safely, professionally and to a high standard;
- Support with the delivery of the artists’ bedrooms.
General Tasks
- Be an active participant in BAC’s wider creative life, attending performances and events, and supporting the venue’s public-facing activities.
- Contribute to staff meetings, cross-team collaborations, and organisational initiatives that support BAC’s mission and continuous improvement culture.
- Maintain professional development, staying informed of trends in hospitality, retail, and event services to bring fresh ideas and improvements.
- Ensure that BAC’s values of inclusivity, sustainability, and generosity are reflected in all aspects of your work and team leadership.
- Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the leadership of BAC
Person Specification
When we shortlist, we use these criteria to select the best candidates.
Knowledge:
the understanding of a subject or information that a candidate has
Essential
- Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practice procedures in building maintenance;
- Good understanding of the safe and effective use of power and hand tools;
- An interest in sustainable practices;
Desirable
- Understanding of statutory compliance including EIRC fixed wiring and emergency lighting test reports;
- Knowledge of sustainability management;
- Knowledge of maintenance care practice standards in a listed heritage site;
Experience:
the practical application of the knowledge that a candidate has acquired through working or living
Essential
- Practical experience of managing maintenance and external supplier contracts;
- Practical experience in managing premises and facilities operations in a public venue;
- Practical experience in one or more of the following skillsets: general repairs, painting and decorating, electrical, joinery and plumbing;
Desirable
- Experience in maintaining an outdoor garden space or heritage building;
- Experience working in a venue that champions accessibility;
- Experience of managing a BMS system;
Skills:
the specific abilities that a candidate has acquired through practice or training
Essential
- Strong efficiency and organization with the ability to prioritise maintenance tasks effectively and within time restraints.
- Excellent office and administrative skills including MS Office;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Accuracy and attention to detail;
- Manual Handling Training;
Desirable
- A relevant health and safety qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH;
- First Aid at Work Qualification;
- Fire Marshall Qualification;
- Building Control Certificate;
- Carbon Literacy Training;
Values:
the behaviours a candidate should be able to demonstrate
At BAC, we expect our staff to subscribe to the values inscribed on the building: “Not for me, not for you, but for us.” This means we strive for inclusion, equity and fairness in everything that we do.
- Interest in caring for a heritage building;
- Proactive approach to maintenance and upkeep in a busy public building;
- Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings if necessary;
Terms & Conditions
Salary
£37,500 gross per annum
Hours
35 hours per week, excluding a daily one-hour lunch break
On occasion this role will include early morning, evening and weekend work dependant on business needs. Usual office hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. We offer flexible working where possible.
Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
All staff at Battersea Arts Centre are expected to attend performances and events and be a part of the artistic life of the organisation.
Overtime
No overtime payments; we operate a Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) system, to be taken within two weeks of accrual.
Annual Leave
4 weeks per year, pro rata (5 weeks following one full year of service)
Probation period
6 months, with a 3 month review
Notice period
3 months
Contract Period
Permanent
Pension Scheme
BAC’s pension scheme provided by NEST
Staff Benefits
Complimentary tickets (subject to availability and staff ticket policy)
Employment Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured,
Cycle to Work Scheme
Discount in the BAC cafe (subject to discount policy)
5 Development Days (pro rata)
- Department
- Operations
About Battersea Arts Centre
Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) is a home for radical artistic ideas. We support artists, young people and communities to spark positive change through their creativity in many different ways, and this social purpose is central to everything we do. Based in an iconic building at the heart of Battersea, our work revolves around an ambitious live and digital programme of performance, heritage, events, and creative and community projects. Projects developed at BAC can also be found in our communities and on tour across the UK and the world.
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