Estates Foreman AO (06/23 LOS) at The British Government

The Estates Foreman will take a leading role in ensuring that British Embassy owned and rented properties are compliant with FCDO standards. They are responsible for the quality and delivery of all routine maintenance, repairs and minor works projects for the British Deputy High Commission Lagos comprising of offices, residential accommodation, amenities and grounds.

The Foreman will be expected to manage the Technical Works Group team of multi-skilled Artisans, reporting to the Estates Manager and working closely with the Technical Works Supervisors, to ensure that all facilities are operated and maintained in accordance with relevant Technical, and Health & Safety standards.

The Foreman will also be required to take a hands-on approach, undertaking some aspects of maintenance work themselves (appropriate to their skill set).

Roles and responsibilities:

Estates

• Provide technical quality control, oversight and acceptance of all maintenance work undertaken in BDHC Offices and Residential properties to ensure that works are delivered on time. All tasking to comply with FCDO Technical and Health & Safety standards.
• Swiftly learn and understand the current UK Technical, and Health & Safety Standards and FCDO policy, and be proactive in keeping their knowledge up to date.
• Monitors performance of TWG Team Members and report to the Estates manger and Head of Corporate Service when required.
• Implement long term Planned Preventative Maintenance programme for essential building services and equipment (including for water services, electrical installations, A/Cs, generators, fire protection systems, swimming pools and security lighting) using the in-house maintenance team or appropriate contractors, and maintain accurate and organised records of conducted works.
• Sourcing quotations for maintenance projects which provide value for money.
• Drafting the specifications of required materials and techniques and methods to be used by technicians and contractors in technical works.
• Assist the UK TWS in drafting scope of works on major works.
• Assist the UK TWS with the vetting of sourced Contractors intended or intending to work for the BDHC Lagos Estates Team
• Conduct safety checks on all tools and equipment to be used by the technical works team and report any faulty or non-compliant equipment to the UK Technical Works Supervisor so that it can be replaced.
• Carry out health and safety inductions or briefings for contractors working at BHC properties and document evidence of said briefings. To also include hazard checks and controls before works permits can be issued to contractors.
• To organise regular training sessions and tool box talks with technical staff and contractors to ensure they do work as per FCDO Standards.
• Undertaking other duties as assigned and agreed by the UK TWS.
• Work with the Post Health and Safety Officer to ensure and implement Health and Safety Culture and practice within the TWG, ensuring that documents are signed off by competent persons and submitted to the HS Officer for reviewing.

The incumbent will line manage the technical works group of 15 people which includes:

• Plumbers
• Electrician
• Builders
• Carpenters
• Storeman
• Administrative assistant

Resources managed:

• Line manage the TWG Administrative Assistant, Assistant Estates Foreman, TWG Charge hands, and Counter-sign for all TWG Artisans.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Hold a professionally recognised qualification in either Electrical, Mechanical or Construction, Engineering with a strong emphasis on Health and Safety. 
• At least 3 years works experience in maintenance supervision of commercial or residential properties.
• Experience in the supervision and management of people employed on maintenance activities.
• IT skills (particularly Microsoft Office suite - Outlook, Word and Excel).
• As well as technical skills, the ability to be well organised and to communicate to UK based and Country based staff colleagues and service providers.
• Experience of implementing Health & Safety standards.
• Significant and relevant experience in the supervision of maintenance, building services and construction projects.
• Good working knowledge of generators.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• 18th Edition Reg experience.
• LPG gas experience.
• IOSH/NEBOSH safety.
• IOSH fire safety.
• Full driving license.