Role overview
Head of Property & Facilities Services
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm
Location: South West London
Full UK driving licence is desirable
Our client, a private family, are looking for an experienced Head of Property & Technical Services to oversee the technical systems, maintenance and external presentation of a private residence in Chelsea, London. This is a hands on role suited to a technically minded professional with strong building services knowledge, excellent fault finding skills and experience managing specialist contractors within a high-end residential, hotel or luxury environment.
Working closely with the Chief of Staff, Property Manager, PA and Head Housekeeper, the successful candidate will ensure the property operates seamlessly, identifying potential issues before they become problems and maintaining the highest standards of performance, safety and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Building Services & Systems: Oversee the daily operation and maintenance of HVAC systems, including air conditioning, chillers, heat pumps, ventilation, underfloor heating and hot water, alongside BMS controls.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Act as the first point of contact for faults across electrical, plumbing, pool plant, water treatment, lifts, gates, security, fire alarms and AV/IT systems. Carry out minor repairs where safe and appropriate, escalating specialist work when required.
- Contractor Management: Coordinate and supervise contractors and service engineers on site, overseeing access, works, quality and completion, while maintaining clear communication with the household team.
- Planned Maintenance & Compliance: Complete and record routine maintenance checks, monitor system performance, support compliance requirements and contribute technical input to maintenance budgets and lifecycle planning.
- Grounds & External Areas: Take responsibility for the presentation and upkeep of gardens, courtyards, gatehouse and other external areas, coordinating gardeners and landscapers and maintaining gates, external lighting, irrigation and drainage.
- Technical Records: Maintain accurate asset registers, equipment inventories, fault logs, troubleshooting procedures and maintenance records.
- Vehicle Management: Oversee vehicle cleanliness, presentation, charging or fuelling, servicing, MOTs and insurance coordination.
- Household Support: Assist with deliveries, errands and occasional household events or presentation tasks, working collaboratively with the wider household team. The role will also act as the out-of-hours contact for property emergencies.
The Ideal Candidate
- At least five years’ hands on experience in building services, facilities management or estate engineering, ideally within a high-end residential, hotel or luxury environment.
- Strong practical knowledge of HVAC systems, including chillers, heat pumps, ventilation, underfloor heating and BMS controls.
- Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, pool plant, water treatment, security and AV/IT systems.
- A methodical approach to fault finding, with the ability to diagnose issues, identify solutions and explain technical matters clearly.
- Proven experience managing contractors, assessing workmanship and coordinating maintenance and servicing.
- A sound understanding of UK building compliance, including fire safety, gas, electrical safety, water hygiene, lift safety and F-gas requirements.
- Highly organised, proactive and comfortable maintaining technical records, logs and reports.
- Discreet, calm and service-oriented, with excellent communication skills and respect for family privacy.
- Willingness to act as the out-of-hours contact and respond to emergencies.
A relevant technical qualification, F-gas certification, IOSH training, smart-home systems experience or refurbishment project experience would be advantageous.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically capable, hands on professional to take ownership of the systems and external operations of a private residence, ensuring everything runs efficiently, safely and discreetly.
please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application