Apprentice Building Manager

Role type: Apprenticeship- 24 Month Contract

Location: London- On-Site

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning.  We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.  Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.  

About this role:

This is a development role created to enable the postholder to undertake and complete the Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship while gaining structured, work-based experience at GUS. The anticipated programme duration is circa 24 months. The precise fixed-term end date and any provision for End-Point Assessment, resits, extensions or early termination will be confirmed in the employment contract and apprenticeship documentation.

The Apprenticeship Assistant Manager will support the safe, compliant, welcoming and effective day-to-day operation of GUS campus buildings. Working within the Property and Facilities Management team, the postholder will combine hands-on operational responsibilities with structured learning through the Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship delivered by the training provider.

The role is designed to build capability across hard and soft facilities management, customer service, contractor and supplier coordination, health and safety, risk and compliance, finance, asset and workspace management, sustainability, people capability, change and project delivery. The postholder will progressively take greater ownership as competence develops, while working under the direction of the line manager and within agreed authority levels.

This is a highly visibility, site-based and hands-on role, requiring regular movement across campus locations to conduct inspections, respond to facilities issues, undertake maintenance activities, and support the safe and effective operation of the estate.

Summary of role:

• Act as a first point of contact for facilities enquiries, delivering a responsive and professional service to students, colleagues and visitors.

• Support the day-to-day operation of campus buildings, including cleaning, security, reception, maintenance, waste management and other facilities services.

• Respond to reactive facilities issues, coordinating contractors and remedial works and escalating where required.

• Conduct regular building inspections, identifying risks or defects and ensuring actions are followed through to resolution.

• Support health, safety and compliance activities, including audits, risk assessments, statutory testing, emergency procedures and contractor documentation.

• Coordinate contractors and suppliers, monitoring performance, quality, safety and value for money.

• Assist with facilities budgets, quotations, purchase orders, invoices, records and operational reporting.

• Support planned maintenance, refurbishment, mobilisation and continuous improvement projects.

• Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible procurement.

• Build positive relationships with internal stakeholders, landlords, managing agents and service partners.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality and the overall student, colleague and visitor experience.

Apprenticeship Requirements and Learning Commitment:

Successful completion of the apprenticeship is an integral and mandatory requirement of this fixed-term role. The postholder will be expected to:

• Enrol on and actively participate in Mercury Training’s Level 4 Facilities Manager Apprenticeship, subject to provider eligibility checks and enrolment.

• Complete learning and development activities during paid working hours, including approximately six hours per week of off-the-job training.

• Participate in the blended delivery model, including online and face-to-face learning, monthly tutor or coaching meetings, and formal progress reviews involving the learner, line manager and Mercury skills coach.

• Maintain an accurate digital portfolio or learning record and provide evidence of knowledge, skills and behaviours developed through the role.

• Complete assignments, reflective activity, workplace learning, project work and preparation for assessment to required standards and deadlines.

• Undertake a work-based project aligned to the role and business needs, with suitable access to evidence, stakeholders and organisational information.

• Engage constructively with English and math’s initial assessment and any agreed support or Functional Skills activity.

• Prepare for and complete the End-Point Assessment requirements applicable to the programme.

• Immediately raise any barriers to progress with the line manager and training provider and cooperate with agreed support or recovery plans.

Requirements for the role:

• Able to meet the Training and apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements, including living in England, not being on another funded course, meeting applicable residency requirements and working at least 30 hours per week.

• Experience in facilities, property, estates, building services, customer service, administration or another relevant operational environment.

• Experience of dealing professionally with customers, contractors, suppliers or service providers.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and maintain accurate records.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, and confidence working with a range of stakeholders.

What we offer:

• Contributory Pension Scheme - 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution, so you can build long-term financial security with added benefits of the company contributions.

• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) - spread the cost of your commute with an interest-free travel loan.

• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) - access to short courses via FutureLearn and Group-wide professional development programmes.

• Staff Discount Scheme - via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics, etc

• Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support for your wellbeing, whenever you need it.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success in your job search.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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