The role of an NHS Band 8b Head of Facilities Management is vital in ensuring that hospital estates and facilities operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably. This senior position demands leadership over a multidisciplinary team responsible for maintaining infrastructure, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. With an average salary ranging between £54,764 and £63,862 per annum, it offers both a rewarding career path and significant responsibility. The job requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a strong grasp of NHS policies.
Whether you are new to applying for this role or preparing to progress, knowing the typical interview questions and crafting thoughtful answers can make all the difference. Below, we’ve compiled 20 frequently asked questions alongside strong, sample answers to help you prepare confidently for your Band 8b Head of Facilities Management interview.
20 interview questions and answers for NHS Band 8b Head of Facilities Management
Can you describe your experience managing large-scale facilities within the NHS or a similar healthcare environment?
Answer: I have over 10 years managing complex healthcare facilities, including hospitals and outpatient centers. My role involved coordinating maintenance, capital projects, and compliance with NHS estate policies, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in your facilities?
Answer: I implement robust audit processes, provide regular staff training, and collaborate closely with health and safety officers to maintain compliance. I also review incident reports to improve policies continuously.
Describe a time when you successfully managed a challenging facilities project under tight budget constraints.
Answer: In my previous role, I led a hospital-wide HVAC upgrade by prioritizing critical areas and renegotiating contracts, delivering the project 10% under budget without compromising quality.
What strategies do you use to manage and motivate your team?
Answer: I foster open communication, set clear goals, and recognize achievements. I encourage professional development and involve team members in decision-making to increase ownership.
How do you balance operational needs with sustainability goals?
Answer: I focus on energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement. I align sustainability initiatives with operational priorities to ensure they complement rather than conflict.
Explain your experience with contract management and supplier relationships.
Answer: I manage multiple contracts, ensuring suppliers meet KPIs and comply with NHS standards. I conduct regular performance reviews and build strong partnerships based on transparency and mutual goals.
How do you handle emergency situations such as power failures or flooding in the hospital?
Answer: I follow an established emergency response plan, coordinate with relevant departments, and ensure communication is clear. I also conduct regular drills to keep the team prepared.
What IT systems or software have you used to manage facilities operations?
Answer: I’m experienced with CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) systems like Archibus and Planon, which help streamline maintenance scheduling, asset tracking, and reporting.
How do you keep up to date with NHS policies and industry best practices?
Answer: I subscribe to NHS Estates newsletters, attend relevant conferences, and participate in professional networks such as the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM).
Describe how you approach budgeting and financial management in facilities.
Answer: I develop realistic budgets based on operational needs and past expenditure trends. I monitor spend monthly, identify variances early, and make adjustments to stay within budget.
How do you manage competing priorities in a busy hospital environment?
Answer: I prioritize tasks based on risk and impact, delegate appropriately, and communicate regularly with stakeholders to align expectations.
What’s your approach to stakeholder engagement?
Answer: I proactively engage with clinical teams, executives, and patients to understand their needs, ensure facilities support patient care, and maintain open channels for feedback.
Can you give an example of implementing a new process or system in your team?
Answer: I introduced a preventative maintenance scheduling system that reduced equipment downtime by 20%, improving service reliability.
How do you promote diversity and inclusion within your team?
Answer: I ensure recruitment processes are fair, support flexible working arrangements, and encourage a culture where all voices are heard and valued.
Describe your experience with risk management in facilities.
Answer: I conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a risk register, and develop mitigation plans to minimize impact on patient safety and operational continuity.
What role does sustainability play in your facilities management strategy?
Answer: Sustainability is central; I champion energy-saving initiatives, reduce waste, and support NHS net zero goals while ensuring patient care is not compromised.
How do you handle conflicts within your team or with other departments?
Answer: I address conflicts promptly, listen to all parties, and facilitate constructive dialogue to find mutually acceptable solutions.
What challenges do you foresee in NHS facilities management over the next five years?
Answer: Challenges include increasing demand on services, aging infrastructure, and the need to balance cost control with technological upgrades and sustainability.
How do you measure success in your role?
Answer: Success is measured by compliance rates, patient and staff satisfaction, budget adherence, and the operational uptime of critical facilities.
Why do you want to work as a Band 8b Head of Facilities Management in the NHS?
Answer: I am passionate about supporting healthcare delivery through efficient and sustainable facilities management. The NHS’s values align with my commitment to public service and continuous improvement.
General interview coaching encouragement and tips
Preparing for an NHS Band 8b interview can feel daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can shine. Practice articulating your experience clearly and confidently. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers with concrete examples. Research the specific NHS Trust you are applying to and tailor your answers to their strategic priorities. Remember, interviewers are not just assessing your skills—they want to see your leadership qualities and how you will fit into their team.
Lastly, don’t forget to prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end—this demonstrates your interest and engagement. Stay calm, be yourself, and good luck on your journey to becoming a vital part of the NHS facilities management leadership team!
