Mechanical Engineering Project Manager

The Project Manager - Mechanical Engineering Projects leads the management, delivery, and maintenance of the Trust's mechanical engineering infrastructure, ensuring systems are safe, compliant, and operational to support high-quality healthcare. Based at St George's Hospital (with work across Trust sites), the role oversees in-house teams, consultants, and contractors, delivering projects in line with HTMs, HBNs, legislation, and Trust standards.

Key responsibilities include managing systems such as HVAC, water safety, medical gases, lifts, pressure systems, and energy centres; preparing and evaluating tenders; ensuring statutory compliance; maintaining robust Safe Systems of Work; and acting as an Authorised Person for relevant HTMs. The postholder manages a budget (£2.5M), driving cost efficiency while maintaining service quality. They recruit, train, and lead staff, foster a culture of safety and accountability, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders. The role also supports the Trust's sustainability agenda, participates in emergency on-call duties, and ensures minimal disruption to patient care during works.

NB: Please note that previous applicants need not apply, as they will not be reconsidered for this vacancy.

1. 1. Leadership and Team Management

   • Direct and manage the in-house Mechanical Engineering Infrastructure Team and associated contractors, ensuring day-to-day operations are efficient, safe, and meet agreed service levels.
   • Develop, train, and support staff to maintain the appropriate skill mix and succession planning for the department.
   • Conduct staff appraisals, performance reviews, and ensure adherence to Trust policies on conduct, attendance, and behaviour.
   • Act as a role model for the Trusts values Excellence, Kindness, Responsibility, and Respect and ensure these are embedded in team culture.
   • Maintain staff morale, welfare, and engagement, promoting high standards of service delivery.

2. 2. Mechanical Infrastructure Management

   • Take responsibility for a diverse range of engineering systems, including HVAC, water safety and distribution, medical gas services, lifts, pressure systems, energy centre and boiler plant operations, asbestos management within mechanical systems, and emergency planning.
   • Ensure these systems are operated, maintained, and upgraded in compliance with statutory and NHS requirements.
   • Implement planned preventative maintenance programmes and respond to unplanned failures quickly to minimise disruption.

3. 3. Project Planning and Delivery

   • Lead mechanical engineering infrastructure projects from inception to completion, ensuring programme, budget, and quality standards are met.
   • Prepare and compile tender documentation in cooperation with Procurement; evaluate bids, award contracts, and oversee works on site.
   • Conduct feasibility studies and provide cost estimates for improvement works and capital projects; ensure robust project governance and reporting processes are followed.

4. 4. Compliance, Risk, and Safety Management

   • Act as an Authorised Person for HTM 02 (Medical Gases), HTM 03 (Ventilation), HTM 04 (Water Safety), and other HTMs as appropriate after training.
   • Maintain Safe Systems of Work and ensure statutory compliance with health, safety, and environmental legislation.
   • Conduct safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
   • Interpret complex technical guidance and legislation for operational application; ensure full compliance with CQC requirements and contribute to inspections.

5. 5. Financial and Resource Management

   • Manage a portion of the Estates engineering budget of approximately £2.5 million (£2.2M non-pay, £800K pay).
   • Monitor expenditure, ensuring services are delivered within budget and resources are deployed effectively.
   • Participate in budget-setting processes and develop cost improvement programmes; authorise official orders and approve expenditure in line with Trust policies.
   • Ensure contractor performance provides value for money and meets service-level agreements.

6. 6. Information and Asset Management

   • Maintain accurate engineering and project records in CAFM systems such as Planet and Zetasafe.
   • Ensure asset registers, drawings, and logbooks are updated following alterations or project completions.
   • Monitor contractor performance using KPIs and benchmarking processes; provide regular progress reports to management and contribute to governance reporting.

7. 7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

   • Establish and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders including directors, managers, consultants, matrons, and clinical teams; work with external organisations such as NHS Estates and regulatory agencies; liaise with local authorities, fire services, and planning/building control as required.
   • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including presenting technical information to non-technical audiences.

8. 8. Sustainability and Service Improvement

   • Contribute to the Trusts Carbon Reduction Programme and sustainability agenda; participate in the Estates Sustainable Development Group; lead service improvement initiatives and identify efficiency opportunities without compromising safety or service quality.

9. 9. Emergency Preparedness and On-Call Duties

   • Participate in the Estates on-call rota, provide technical support 24/7 for mechanical issues; respond to emergencies and major incidents; work outside normal hours when necessary.

10. Mandatory Responsibilities

    • Ensure all work complies with Health and Safety at Work Act, Data Protection Act, Equality and Diversity policies, and other Trust policies.
    • Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuous professional development; protect confidentiality and handle sensitive information; ensure safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults are met; support the Trusts vision of Delivering Outstanding Care, Every Time.

Essential:

• Degree/HND/HNC in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or relevant subject.
• Management qualification or 2 years middle management experience in Estates; Incorporated Engineer status.
• 3 years post-qualification experience as an Authorised Person for at least two relevant HTMs.
• Strong leadership, project management, and financial management skills; knowledge of NHS estates operations and statutory compliance.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer status; previous NHS experience; advanced Microsoft Office skills.

This position is central to the safe and efficient functioning of the Trusts estate. Failures in the systems under the Estates Manager remit can have immediate consequences for patient care, clinical operations, and regulatory compliance. By providing technical leadership, financial stewardship, and operational resilience, the Estates Manager ensures that the Trusts engineering infrastructure is a foundation—not a barrier—to outstanding healthcare delivery.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a disclosure may be required.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For details see NHS Careers website.