Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well.
We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 13 stores across the UK, an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website.
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Facilities Project Manager on a 6-month fixed term contract, based at our Head Office in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, the remainder of the week from home.
ABOUT US
We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive. We are looking for an agile and proactive Facilities Project Manager with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture.
Reporting directly to the Chief People & Sustainability Officer, the Facilities Project Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day facilities management, maintenance, and health & safety responsibilities. This role will also play a pivotal role in managing the relocation of both our warehouse and office premises to new sites.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Health & Safety Governance:
1. Lead the creation and maintenance of a proactive safety-first culture across OKA, championing initiatives that prioritise the wellbeing of employees and contractors.
2. Anticipate and identify potential health and safety risks, implementing preventative measures to mitigate issues before they arise.
3. Continuously review and enhance health and safety policies, ensuring they reflect best practices and exceed legal standards.
4. Provide regular, tailored training to employees and contractors, empowering them to take ownership of safety in their roles.
5. Conduct proactive audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all sites to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions swiftly.
6. Drive innovation in health and safety management by adopting new technologies and processes to streamline compliance and reporting.
7. Establish OKA as a leader in safety practices by fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies and staying ahead of legislative changes.
8. Oversee and continuously improve critical safety areas such as fire systems, emergency procedures, and building integrity to maintain a safe and compliant environment at all times.
BAU Facilities Management and Oversight:
1. Provide strategic oversight of facilities operations across the UK store network and office locations, ensuring all sites are safe, functional, and compliant.
2. Collaborate with third-party contractors to manage both planned and reactive maintenance activities, ensuring high-quality delivery.
3. Prioritise sustainability in all aspects of facilities management, including waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and energy efficiency improvements across all sites.
4. Approve and oversee maintenance works, ensuring they meet statutory and regulatory obligations.
5. Perform regular building condition assessments to prioritise maintenance and identify long-term improvements.
6. Manage contractor controls, including reviewing RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements), conducting site inductions, and issuing permits to work.
7. Proactively address escalated facility-related issues, ensuring swift resolution of significant or complex problems.
8. Ensure compliance with environmental and building regulations, including legionella control, lighting checks, HVAC inspections, and emergency systems testing.
Relocation Projects:
1. Take full ownership of Health & Safety (H&S) management during the warehouse and office relocations, ensuring safe practices are implemented throughout the transition.
2. Work closely with the overall project lead and key project stakeholders to oversee the movement of facilities (office and warehouse) from one site to another, ensuring the safe and efficient relocation of operations while minimising disruption.
3. Collaborate in the development and execution of detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, working within the allocated budget to ensure all relocation activities align with the overall critical path.
4. Prioritise sustainability throughout the relocation process, incorporating recycling, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly practices in all phases of the move.
5. Identify opportunities to minimise the environmental impact of the relocations, such as selecting energy-efficient solutions for new facilities and repurposing existing resources where possible.
6. Identify and resolve challenges proactively, using your expertise to navigate logistical, operational, and compliance hurdles without requiring extensive oversight.
7. Act as the primary point of contact for all relocation-related activities, engaging directly with contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and execution.
8. Oversee all aspects of the moves, from site preparation to final handover, including building readiness, IT infrastructure, and employee workspace requirements.
9. Conduct thorough post-move reviews to ensure both sites are fully operational and aligned with business objectives, addressing any residual issues swiftly and effectively.
Workplace Experience and Culture:
1. Work alongside the People team to develop and champion initiatives to enhance workplace experience and reflect OKA’s values and brand.
2. Ensure a consistent, engaging, and inspiring workplace environment for all teams.
3. Coordinate employee feedback initiatives to assess workplace satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
4. Support team cohesion and collaboration through workplace initiatives aligned with broader business goals.
5. Role-model our Company Values and Behaviours.
OUR VALUES
1. Put the Customer First - provides exceptional internal and external customer service at all touchpoints.
2. Be In It Together - approachable, personable, committed to shared success.
3. Think Big - creative, innovative, solutions orientated.
4. Own It - curious, persistent, drives results.
5. Stay Playful - energises others, focuses on positives and opportunities, finds room for spontaneity.
ABOUT YOU
1. A creative, problem-solving spirit.
2. Passion for the OKA brand.
3. Proven experience in facilities management, project management, and health & safety leadership.
4. Strong understanding of UK health & safety regulations and compliance requirements.
5. Demonstrable experience managing site relocations or large-scale facility transitions.
6. Exceptional organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks effectively.
7. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with a proactive approach to collaboration.
8. Strong technical knowledge of building services and maintenance processes, including contractor controls.
OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE
1. 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), pro rata, plus Length of Service increases.
2. Day off for your birthday.
3. Enhanced Maternity Pay.
4. Employee Assistance Programme.
5. Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme.
6. Discounts on 60+ UK retailers via My OKA benefits platform.
7. Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest-free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more.
If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast-paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.
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