About Mars Veterinary Health:

Mars Veterinary Health is a global division within Mars Petcare, with the sole objective of advancing the veterinary profession for the health and wellbeing of people, pets and planet. Through our network of 3,000 veterinary clinics worldwide, nearly 70,000 passionate, pet-loving Associates are committed to helping us achieve our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Mars Veterinary Health touches the lives of more pets in more places than any other veterinary organization. We are dedicated to fulfilling our Purpose and building a brighter, stronger future for the veterinary profession.

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe and Rapid Growth Markets (RGM):

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

This role will also support selected high-growth RGM markets, including Japan, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Although these markets are currently smaller in scale, they represent key strategic growth areas for Mars Veterinary Health. The role will provide centralized REFM support to ensure consistent governance, supplier management, Health & Safety alignment, and operational standards across all locations as the network continues to expand.

Role Overview:

The Director of Facilities Management provides strategic direction for the Facilities Management function by setting goals, defining priorities, and aligning the team with organizational objectives. This role ensures that all buildings and facilities effectively meet the needs of clients, colleagues, and pets.

The role collaborates closely with Construction, Real Estate, Health & Safety, Central Operations, and Finance to ensure seamless operations and efficient resource allocation.

With a network of more than 800 clinics, this role is pivotal to MVH Global in enabling proactive building management across the clinic network, supporting scalable growth, improving return on investment on expansion capital, and delivering synergies through standardized processes and procurement efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on facilities projects and ensure the real estate portfolio aligns with MVHE and Mars strategy across site investment, relocation, and disposals.

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, and elevators.

• Recruit, lead, manage, and develop the Facilities Management team, alongside CRE programs, databases, and project delivery, ensuring strong collaboration with business stakeholders.

• Develop and implement a robust maintenance strategy for the existing estate in collaboration with Real Estate and Construction Directors, including structured plans to support decision-making.

• Manage all facilities budgets and ensure cost efficiency and financial control.

• Develop and cascade the service proposition across the team, ensuring consistent delivery while maintaining accountability within Facilities Management.

• Define and execute building maintenance and capital improvement plans.

• Ensure compliance with health & safety standards, statutory regulations, and industry codes.

• Oversee analysis and reporting of financial performance against maintenance and asset data metrics.

• Manage data collection, analytics, reporting processes, and insights for internal stakeholders.

• Establish, document, and maintain standards, metrics, policies, procedures, and controls in collaboration with Central Operations across multiple countries.

• Support delivery of maintenance projects across the MVH global estate in collaboration with Central Operations (e.g., fire extinguisher training rollout and large-scale programmes).

• Work cross-functionally to develop integrated solutions that enhance services for clients, customers, and pets.

• Define and monitor key KPIs to measure performance, governance, efficiency, and ROI of facilities management investments.

• Build and maintain a strong external industry network to support long-term business objectives

Summary of the Role:

• Job Title: Director of Facilities Management

• Department: Real Estate and Facilities Management (REFM)

• Team Direct Reports: 21

• Reports To: Senior Director, REFM

• Location: Netherlands preferred / Madrid / Munich

• Contract: Full-time

• Languages: Fluency in English (additional European languages are a plus)

Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in a Director or senior leadership role in Facilities Management or equivalent.

• MRICS qualification or equivalent experience in lease negotiation (10+ years).

• BSc/BA in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

• Professional qualification (e.g., CFM) is an advantage.

• Strong understanding of multi-country regulatory requirements related to Health & Safety, construction, and facilities management

• Strong expertise in technical and engineering operations and facilities management best practices.

• Proven experience in project management and large-scale portfolio delivery.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and team management skills.

• Solid understanding of building systems (HVAC, electrical, fire safety, etc.).

• Ability to define and execute strategic plans while ensuring operational delivery.

• Strong stakeholder management and ability to build trusted relationships across functions.

• Clear, persuasive communication and ability to influence senior stakeholders and executive leadership.

• Strong commercial acumen and results-driven mindset.

• Strong networking and negotiation skills.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.

Key Supporting Competencies

• Organizational Agility: Ability to operate effectively in complex, multi-country matrix environments and align diverse stakeholders to shared objectives.

• Perspective: Balances strategic, operational, and financial priorities to make informed, long-term decisions.

• Business Acumen: Understands the commercial and operational impact of facilities decisions and drives value creation and efficiency.

• Managing Vision & Purpose: Builds and communicates a clear vision for facilities excellence that drives alignment, accountability, and performance.

Our offer:

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package

• A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

• Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence

• Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment

• Learning and development opportunities

• The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.

• We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs.

If this sounds like you:

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

AniCura is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.