Sally-Ann Lyon

I am a very capable and knowledgeable facilities, contracts, project and programme manager, with considerable experience of running facilities across multiple locations, capital projects, moves and business efficiency projects. In addition, I have significant experience in setting up and managing reactive, planned, statutory and non-statutory preventative maintenance. In my early career I worked managing the approach across luxury hotel chains. 

I have always been an advocate for ensuring spaces are suitable for all and am enthusiastic about embracing difference and enabling people to enjoy environments with minimal effort and maximum creativity. Spaces should allow people to perform at their best, be thoughtful and accommodating with environments that naturally embody inclusion and diversity, thereby reducing barriers and enhancing the enjoyment of the space for all. When working at the Blavatnik School of Government, we were able to create truly accessible facilities for all and I was awarded The Stirling Prize Client of the South for the client who not only worked with the architects (Herzog du Meuron) to create a beautiful building, but one that was exceptionally functional too.

I am detail orientated with an exceptional understanding of management and risks, meaning that I deliver the optimum outcome within budget and timeframe. Added to that, I am frugal with a business-focused mind, ensuring finances are controlled in all aspects of my work. I am financially astute, with experience of financial planning and budgeting of more than £20m.

I have extensive change management experience and can work closely with stakeholders at all levels. I am a naturally analytical person and one who listens to the needs of all stakeholders and then interprets and delivers the best outcome, ensuring that everyone feels heard and part of the journey. 

I have had extensive experience of managing teams across multiple locations, sectors and environments and am focussed on ensuring spaces underpin the business needs and enable colleagues to work at their best. I have managed a mix of buildings, including offices, laboratories, clean rooms, production lines, machinery workshops, warehouses, outdoor spaces and grounds. I am NEBOSH trained with a clear understanding of H&S regulations. I am also experienced in understanding and reducing the environmental impact of the spaces I support.

I have always had a keen interest in IT, leading on many IT business efficiency projects and working closely with them to ensure they are aligned with business requirements. I have also worked closely with QA teams, offering leadership and direction to ensure business needs are met.

I run my department smoothly with a process that ensures awareness of all requirements, ensuring that understanding and compliance comes naturally, and things do not get missed. The system that I use is highly commended during audit processes for its transparency and detail which enables easier compliance. Safety and compliance should always come first, and my processes fully support this.

I run supportive teams that collaborate cohesively with high staff retention levels. I believe in developing, empowering and enabling people, ensuring they can work to their best ability and that they understand and can clearly see the value that they bring to their role.

I have excellent communication and engagement skills, with a good sense of humour, which is often of benefit in the facilities world. I am practical, prepared to muck in and will always offer to step in when I see someone needing help. I am never one to walk past a problem.

Extensive experience in project management and people management across various different sectors. Agile, effective and independent.

NEBOSH and PRINCE2 qualified