Job Description
Head of Commissioning- Capital Projects
Location: Fully office-based in Surrey
Company: A Global Pharmaceutical Company
Role Summary
The Commissioning Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and verifying all commissioning activities required to transition a new Laboratories & R&D facility from construction completion to safe, compliant, and fully operational status.
This role ensures that all building systems — including MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), specialist laboratory systems, building automation, environmental controls, and supporting infrastructure — perform in accordance with design intent and user requirements.
The Commissioning Lead acts as the central interface between construction teams, designers, vendors, specialist commissioning agents, and operational stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition into steady-state operations.
The role reports to the End-to-End Project Lead within the overall project structure.
Key Responsibilities
Commissioning Strategy & Planning
* Develop and own the overall Commissioning Strategy, Commissioning Plan, and Master Commissioning Schedule
* Define commissioning scope, methodologies, performance criteria, and documentation standards
* Establish roles, responsibilities, and resource requirements, including third-party specialists
* Ensure commissioning activities are fully integrated with construction timelines and validation activities (where applicable)
* Lead commissioning workshops and coordination meetings with contractors, designers, and stakeholders
* Coordinate commissioning activities across subcontractor teams and specialist vendors
* Oversee commissioning of complex building systems, including:
* HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
* BMS/EMS systems
* Specialist laboratory systems (e.g., fume cupboards, containment systems, LEVs, gas systems)
* Process utilities and environmental control systems
* Fire detection and life safety systems
* Ensure systems are installation-ready prior to commissioning start-up (“commissioning-ready” assessments)
* Supervise functional, performance, and integrated systems testing (IST)
* Collaborate closely with Operational Readiness to align start-up and occupancy plans
* Ensure all commissioning documentation is developed, reviewed, and approved, including:
* Pre-functional checklists (PFCs)
* Functional test procedures
* Test records and reports
* As-built documentation
* Operation & Maintenance manuals
* Verify that system performance meets design intent and user requirements
* Track, manage, and close deficiencies and punch-list items
* Ensure commissioning activities are conducted safely, supported by risk assessments and method statements
* Lead or contribute to risk workshops related to system energisation and start-up
* Identify and manage technical risks impacting commissioning and handover
* Ensure safe Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures are implemented and controlled in collaboration with contractors
* Act as the commissioning liaison between Operational Readiness, Operations, Facilities Management, HSE, IT, and laboratory users
* Support operational staff training and knowledge transfer activities
* Provide regular commissioning progress updates to project leadership
* Coordinate building readiness for occupation, including soft-landing activities
* Ensure systems are stable, reliable, and maintainable prior to handover
* Lead final acceptance and ensure commissioning deliverables meet project requirements
* Support post-occupancy review and system optimisation during early operational phases
Education & Qualifications
* Proven experience as a Commissioning Lead or Commissioning Manager on complex construction projects
* Experience commissioning laboratory, R&D, or highly technical environments
* Strong knowledge of MEP systems, building automation, environmental controls, and specialist lab systems
* Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and commissioning protocols
* Strong leadership and stakeholder coordination capabilities
* Excellent planning and organisational skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Experience delivering integrated systems testing (IST)
* Knowledge of laboratory design standards (e.g., containment levels, ventilation requirements)
* Familiarity with digital commissioning tools (Cx platforms, BIM integration)
* Experience supporting operational readiness and project handover