About the Client
Branta Recruitment is supporting a prominent Further Education college group in London in the appointment of a Hard Services (M&E) Manager covering a wide range of mechanical and electrical systems, requiring a technically capable professional who can ensure statutory compliance, operational continuity, and high-quality service delivery.
The Role
The Hard Services (M&E) Manager will oversee the day-to-day mechanical and electrical maintenance operations across the college estate. This includes managing planned preventative maintenance, statutory compliance, remedial works, and minor capital projects. The postholder will act as a technical lead, support the Head of Estates, and ensure the estate remains safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance
- Oversees daily M&E operations, ensuring the estate remains compliant and operational.
- Manages PPM schedules, remedial works, and statutory maintenance.
- Supports the maintenance of the asset register and ensures accurate documentation.
- Provides hands-on technical support where appropriate and within qualification scope.
Water Hygiene & Building Management Systems
- Supports the Water Safety Group and contributes to the delivery of the water management scheme.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for the operation and management of BMS systems across the estate.
Project Management
- Acts as M&E project manager for minor capital works and building fabric projects.
- Defines project briefs, coordinates design and delivery, and manages contractors.
- Ensures projects meet business needs, budgets, and timeframes.
- Processes payments, validates invoices, and enforces contract terms.
Contractor & Compliance Management
- Appoints and manages contractors, issuing site inductions, permits to work, and verifying RAMS.
- Ensures compliance with UK legislation, regulations, ACOPs, and internal policies.
- Supports emergency evacuation procedures as part of the Estates Emergency Evacuation Team.
Financial & Operational Reporting
- Manages delegated budgets in line with Estates procedures.
- Provides regular reporting on equipment condition, infrastructure risks, and business continuity.
- Identifies backlog maintenance and contributes to the annual estates business plan.
Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Service
- Maintains strong working relationships with internal teams, academic staff, and external partners.
- Promotes a customer-first ethos across all operational activities.
- Supports the implementation of operational plans and accommodation strategies.
Energy & Sustainability
- Works with colleagues to identify best practice and cost-saving opportunities.
- Provides guidance on energy management and supports BMS-based monitoring and reporting.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a significant building services or building fabric maintenance role, or a recognised qualification.
- Diploma or equivalent in Building or Building Services (essential).
- Degree in Building or Building Services (desirable).
- NEBOSH Certificate (desirable).
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Experience
- Experience managing budgets, preparing cost estimates, and reviewing expenditure.
- Experience with cooling towers, boilers, chillers, and plant rooms.
- Experience supervising internal staff and external contractors.
- Experience using computerised systems, including CAFM platforms.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical plant systems.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and ACOPs.
- Ability to interpret complex reports and produce clear documentation.
- Familiarity with BMS operation and energy management principles.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritise effectively.
Attributes
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Confident in managing complex processes and resolving conflict.
- Flexible and adaptable to operational demands.
- Able to obtain an Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Holds a valid UK driving licence.