The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.
EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.
Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; artificial intelligence and robotics
EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.
EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Maintenance Engineer to manage and oversee the maintenance operations across multiple sites. As the Senior Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring all equipment and facilities are maintained to a very high standard, optimising performance, and minimising downtime. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, providing guidance and ensuring effective and efficient operations. This role also includes on-call responsibilities, requiring you to respond promptly to emergency breakdowns or critical maintenance issues outside of standard working hours.
Key Responsibilities:
* Site Management: Oversee and manage maintenance activities across multiple sites, ensuring consistency, compliance with safety standards, and alignment with operational objectives.
* Preventative and Reactive Maintenance: Develop and implement comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules while also managing reactive maintenance requests and resolving issues in a timely manner. Management of critical spares for sites. A hands-on approach will be required when needed.
* Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
* Troubleshooting and Fault Resolution: Act as the point of escalation for complex technical issues, troubleshooting and resolving faults across various systems, equipment, and machinery.
* Setting Processes & Procedures: Working with other areas within Facilities Operations to establish, set and implement processes, procedures & SOPs within the maintenance engineering space for routine checks, plant checks & risk assessments.
* Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, company policies, Statutory regulations and industry standards. Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions as necessary.
* Continual improvements: Lead and contribute to site-based improvement projects, including upgrades, replacements, or installations of new equipment or systems.
* Cost Control: Identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality or safety.
* On-Call Responsibilities: Provide on-call support outside of regular working hours on a Rota basis, responding to urgent maintenance requests and emergencies in a timely manner.
* Performance Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to line management on maintenance activities, equipment status, and operational performance. Suggest improvements where applicable.
* Vendor and Contractor Management: Liaise with external contractors and suppliers, ensuring they meet required standards and deliver on time and within budget.
Requirements
Essential & Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Facilities Engineering, or a related field.
* Relevant certifications in maintenance, health & safety (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH), and/or industry-specific qualifications are desirable.
* Experience in maintenance engineering within a supervisory or leadership role, preferably managing multiple sites.
* Experience in regulated environments.
* Proven track record in managing both preventative and reactive maintenance schedules.
* Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and building services systems.
* Prior experience in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
* Familiarity with laboratory environments and specialised equipment maintenance.
* Strong team management skills are highly desired; however, this could be an opportunity for an experienced maintenance engineer who can take the next step up in their career.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving abilities with a can-do attitude. You can adapt well to change and are happy with periods of ambiguity.
* Proficiency in using CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems) or similar maintenance software.
* Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
* Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and environmental compliance requirements.
* Ability to participate in on-call support and emergency response as needed at weekends within 1 hour of sites. Time off in lieu will be granted for on-call
* Full driving license (for site visits across multiple locations) and the use of your own vehicle is required.
Benefits
We offer the following salary and benefits:
* Salary: £50k-£65k depending on experience, + travel allowance + bonus
* Enhanced holiday pay
* Pension
* Life Assurance
* Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hospital Cash Plan
* Therapy Services
* Perk Box
* Electric Car Scheme
Why work for EIT:
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment:
* You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
* You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of Oxford and can commit to the core working hours 5 days per week as well as providing on-call support during certain periods.
* During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
* This role will require travel to various sites, currently within the Oxford area.
* Flexibility with hours may be required, including the ability to respond to urgent maintenance needs outside of regular working hours (time off in lieu provided for such out of hour’s support)
* Physical requirements include lifting, standing, bending, and other manual labour tasks.