Hard Services Manager

Position Overview

The Hard Services Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation, maintenance, and compliance of all hard facilities management (FM) services within a facility. This position is responsible for overseeing critical infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, HVAC, fire and life safety systems, building fabric, elevators, generators, and other essential building systems. The Hard Services Manager ensures that these systems operate efficiently, safely, and in accordance with statutory regulations, company standards, and client-specific requirements. By implementing robust maintenance strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, this role contributes to the overall reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of facility operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

This role involves the day-to-day management of hard FM services to ensure uninterrupted and efficient facility operations. The Hard Services Manager is tasked with:

• Overseeing the efficient and reliable operation of MEP systems, HVAC, and other critical infrastructure;
• Developing and executing preventive and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend asset lifecycles;
• Monitoring building management systems (BMS) and the performance of critical equipment to proactively identify and address issues;
• Coordinating planned maintenance activities to reduce operational disruptions and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs);
• Managing subcontractors and service providers to ensure high-quality service delivery and adherence to contractual obligations.

Maintenance & Asset Management

The Hard Services Manager is responsible for maintaining accurate asset registers and equipment lifecycle records, as well as planning and overseeing maintenance schedules for all hard FM systems. This includes:

• Developing and implementing maintenance strategies for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems;
• Analyzing equipment performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement;
• Supporting energy management and sustainability initiatives to reduce operational costs and environmental impact;
• Conducting regular inspections to assess the condition of assets, identify maintenance needs, and mitigate risks before they escalate into critical failures.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensuring the safety of occupants and compliance with regulatory standards is a top priority. The Hard Services Manager will:

• Ensure adherence to local regulations, building codes, and health and safety standards, including OSHA and other relevant frameworks;
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits to identify potential hazards and implement corrective measures;
• Oversee the proper implementation of Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems to ensure safe execution of maintenance activities;
• Monitor compliance with fire and life safety requirements, including regular testing of fire suppression systems and emergency lighting;
• Investigate incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns, and lead the implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Contract & Vendor Management

Effective management of contracts and vendors is essential to maintaining high service standards. The Hard Services Manager will:

• Oversee contracts related to maintenance, technical services, and equipment supply, ensuring alignment with organizational goals;
• Evaluate contractor performance against SLAs and KPIs to ensure accountability and service quality;
• Verify the completion of work and adherence to project timelines and budget constraints;
• Collaborate with the procurement team to source spare parts, equipment, and services that meet technical and cost-efficiency requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

The Hard Services Manager leads a team of maintenance engineers, supervisors, and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include:

• Supervising and mentoring technical staff, allocating resources to achieve operational objectives;
• Conducting performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and supporting professional development initiatives;
• Promoting a safety-first mindset and encouraging a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation;
• Ensuring staff are adequately trained and equipped to perform their roles effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

Client & Stakeholder Management

As the primary point of contact for hard service-related matters, the Hard Services Manager engages with clients, senior management, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency. This includes:

• Serving as the technical advisor for facility operations, providing recommendations to management and clients on system upgrades, maintenance strategies, and compliance matters;
• Preparing detailed operational reports, performance dashboards, and KPI metrics to track service delivery and identify areas for improvement;
• Participating in client meetings, facility inspections, and strategic discussions to address concerns and align service delivery with client expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is required. Professional certifications in facilities management, HVAC, or electrical systems are advantageous.

Experience

Candidates must possess:

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in Facilities Management, with a focus on hard services;
• Proven experience managing MEP systems in commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, or mixed-use facilities;
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising technical teams, including engineers, supervisors, and contractors;
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and best practices in facilities management.

Ideal candidates will combine technical expertise with exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to drive operational excellence and deliver value to stakeholders.