Facilities Manager - Nadeem Arif

Why Harvey Nichols?

Harvey Nichols sets the standards in the Luxury Retail sector and knowing I am a part of this gives me great pleasure. To see the store grow over the last 7 years makes me passionate about my job and to work alongside likeminded people just makes it even better. Harvey Nichols’ brand values and constant learning and development makes us different to your other retailers.

Describe your current role and who you work with

My role involves being the centre point of Operations for the store, I am in constant communication with all departments and work with pretty much everyone at every level. I look after both hard and soft services which involves Mechanical & Electrical works, Planned Preventative maintenance, making sure equipment is serviced and PAT tested, negotiating contracts, managing contractors when on site making sure the relevant paperwork is in place.

What’s the best thing about working at Harvey Nichols?

Apart from the great benefits and goodies you get now and again, the best thing about working for Harvey Nichols for me it has to be the team spirit. At the most challenging times I have seen the team pull together and really turned the store around and made it what it is today, a great place to work.

I do love the new interiors and design concept as well!

What’s your favourite part of your role?

No one day is the same in my role, everyday there is a challenge. Whether there is an emergency, or some early works that need doing or there’s a leak in store, this keeps me going and on my toes!

What gets you up in the mornings?

Apart from my two boys yelling and screaming at six o’ clock in the morning, I look forward to a challenge that keeps me motivated. If there is a project on, I like to see it through and can visualise the end result and how it will benefit the store in the long run.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done in your role?

I think the most exciting time for me was when we moved stores. There was a lot to do in both stores and being flexible was a must. It was exciting to be one of the first to see our new store to see where all the new gadgets were and how they worked. Being a part of the whole grand opening of our new store was very exciting for all.